Center for Education Reform Newswire Vol. 9, No. 6 February 13, 2007
SCHOOL CHOICE
UTAH, MISSOURI AND BEYOND. While Utah Governor Hunt has just signed the state's new school choice law, the unions are already chomping at the bit to start their lawsuit. As usual, they have been vocal in their opposition, saying that tax dollars shouldn't be spent at private schools. But this week's Newsmaker of the Week, Elisa Clement Peterson, and the majority of Utahns understand that this bill will give all students in Utah a chance for a quality education regardless of their race, social status, or where they live. Unions are going to have their hands full this session of state legislatures, with at least three other proposals to expand choices for kids pending in other states. Georgia Senator Eric Johnson has introduced a bill, which passed the state Senate, that would give children with disabilities the opportunity to attend a private school of choice. Missouri has two bills pending so far this year that address tax credits or scholarship programs, South Carolina House and Senate members have revived legislation to expand school choice, and Texas is looking into creating greater choice in an effort to stem dropouts.