INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Gov. Mike Pence is throwing his support behind a major
expansion of Indiana’s school voucher program.
Pence policy director Marilee Springer told members of the House education
committee Tuesday that the governor supports a sweeping package of education
changes that would end a one-year waiting period to obtain the scholarships.
State law currently requires that students spend at least a year in a public
school before qualifying for vouchers to ensure low-income families in
failing schools benefit the most. The voucher program provides state aid so
students in low- and middle-income families can attend private schools.
Pence didn’t mention lifting the public school requirement during his
campaign but has broadly supported the voucher program.
Springer also asked lawmakers to approve specific Pence priorities in the
education package.