Jindal Voucher Bill has been approved by state officials, thanks to which more and more students will have a chance to get education at taxpayers’ expense. This bill will apply to a maximum of 1,500 students for this coming academic year.

The bill has an aim to improve student academic performance in some schools that suffered the most from Hurricane Katrina. The Town Talk reports that Wednesday’s 62-34 vote in the House was to approve Senate language changes and send the bill to Jindal for his signature.

Backers say the bill will help at least some New Orleans children in kindergarten through third grade escape a struggling school system. Opponents note that schools in New Orleans are improving now that the state and various charter organizations are running them. Jindal wants to spend up to $10 million on the plan.

According to KATC.COM, the bill is limited in scope; it only applies to New Orlean’s third – year – graders from some of state kindergartens.

Jindal, a conservative Republican being touted as a possible vice presidential candidate, had lobbied hard for the new program and its passage meant a victory dear to many conservatives at a time when Jindal is under harsh criticism across the political spectrum in Louisiana. Talk radio hosts and their listeners, as well as a nonpartisan government watchdog group, have complained about his refusal to veto a recent legislative pay raise.

Karen Carter Peterson, the Speaker Pro Tempore of the House of Representatives in Louisiana, is quoted commenting on the importance of this approval not only for this state but for the statewide educational system.

“When we are spending public dollars, we should be able to direct those dollars in a way that we can protect our product and the only way to do that is to make sure we’re sending them to a better place,” Peterson said.

Photo © Center for American Progress

Related posts:

1. Louisiana Senate Passes School Plan
2. Bill Promotes Universal College Loans