Bush Pushes Voucher Plan Linked to Failing Fla. Schools

By Jessica L. Sandham

Outlining an agenda that includes both more money for schools and tax breaks for Florida residents, Gov. Jeb Bush urged legislators last week to support what could become the first statewide voucher program in the country.

In his first State of the State Address, delivered March 2, the Republican governor told state leaders that Florida's education system is leaving too many students behind. Fifty percent of the state's 4th graders last year were not reading at grade level, he said, and one-third of Florida's 9th grade students have failed to earn even a C average.