Voucher Plan for New Orleans Gathers Steam

New Orleans families, who have seen a dramatic increase in public school choice since Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, may soon get even more publicly funded options, under a plan to offer private school vouchers that has built momentum in recent weeks.

With strong backing from Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal, versions of the measure have cleared important hurdles in the Louisiana legislature, including passage in the House and by a key Senate committee. The bill could reach the Senate floor as soon as this week.

The $10 million proposal would permit up to 1,500 New Orleans students in low-performing public schools to receive vouchers to attend secular or religious...