Vouchers

Voucher bill lurking in NJ

S-1872/A-2810, the private school voucher bill misleading called the “Opportunity Scholarship Act” by its supporters, appears to have stalled, at least temporarily, after passing through several committees earlier this year.

The voucher bill would drain nearly $1 billion in state funding from public schools in many of New Jersey’s poorest urban districts.  It faces significant public opposition despite having several high profile backers in the Legislature along with Gov. Christie.

NJEA has mounted a vigorous campaign to educate members and the public of the threat the bill poses to schools already reeling from Gov. Christie’s massive budget cuts.  NJEA members should continue urging legislators to oppose this voucher bill.

Resources

• Text of bills: S-1872 ; A-2810 
• NJEA's position
• NJEA President Barbara Keshishian’s January 20 testimony on S-1872
• Fact sheet
• NJEA statement on Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee passage of S-1872
• Cost of amended Voucher Bill now approaches $1 billion
• NJEA radio spot
• NJEA newspaper ad 

Research

• Do private religious schools boost achievement? Research says no.

Related Articles

• Statement of Assemblywoman Mila M. Jasey on A-2810, the Opportunity Scholarship Act  
• Viewpoint: Voucher program would not help students - northjersey.com, Feb. 10, 2011
• Braun: N.J. vouchers would wrongly use taxes for schools with religious affiliations – nj.com, Feb. 10, 2011
• 'Opportunity Scholarship Act' will not help kids in struggling schools - nj.com, Feb. 9, 2011
• What Do OSA Advocates Have to Hide? - njspotlight.com, Feb. 8, 2011
• Braun: Vouchers hearing is latest political gimmick masquerading as school reform - nj.com, Feb. 7, 2011
• Education voucher scheme is both drastic, desperate: Morgan's Corner - nj.com, Feb. 2, 2011
• Opinion: Deception, Fiscal Irresponsibility, School Vouchers – njspotlight.com, Jan. 24, 2011