Vouchers Front and Center in Fla. Legislature

By Jessica L. Sandham

Less than a month into their legislative session, Florida lawmakers are knee-deep in debate over a plan to provide taxpayer-financed tuition vouchers to students in the state's most academically troubled schools.

Under the proposal first introduced by Gov. Jeb Bush, which the House was expected to pass this week, the state would assign letter grades to schools based on their performance on state tests. Students in schools that failed to meet the state's standards could receive vouchers worth about $4,000 each to attend any public, private, or religious school in Florida.

Florida is one of at least 15 states considering voucher proposals this year. Though such proposals have been introduced in a number of states in recent years, 1999 stands out as Florida and two other large states could see significant debates over limited voucher plans this year, said Eric Hirsch, a senior policy specialist for the Denver-based National...