Talks on a deal to stop a huge increase in the number of Ohio public school buildings where students would qualify for private school vouchers are dragging on. The deal now goes to a conference committee, with just days to go before the voucher application process opens.
The House rejected a Senate deal that reduces EdChoice voucher eligible buildings from 1,227 to 420, but increases income based vouchers to 300% of the federal poverty level - $78,000 a year for a family of four.
House Speaker Larry Householder (R-Glenford) is a voucher supporter, but was clear about keeping income-based vouchers at 200%. However, “You know, there’s always a compromise,” he said.
There were around 29,500 students using EdChoice vouchers this year. Householder says he’s confident a deal will be done well before the EdChoice application window opens Saturday, but lawmakers also want a new method to determine if a school is failing and therefore EdChoice eligible.
