Voucher backer no more

NEA Today, May 1999

Voucher Backer No More

Private school tuition vouchers have been a disaster for Milwaukee public schools. Wisconsin State Senate President Gary George-a former voucher supporter-said at a spring Indiana State House rally for public schools and against vouchers. George reported that vouchers have transferred some $28 million from the Milwaukee district to students who were already in private schools.

The better way to improve public education, George told the crowd, is to lower class sizes.

At the rally, members of the Indiana State Teachers Association were joined by people from across the education community, various reigious groups, civil libertarians, unions, the NAACP, the Urban League, Democratic and Republican politicians, and even private school representatives who wish to preserve religious liberty and private school autonomy.