Republican states expand school vouchers despite mounting concerns over their long-term cost
FILE - Students and parents rally at the Ohio Statehouse in support of possible changes that would increase eligibility for taxpayer-funded school vouchers to K-12 students statewide, May 17, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Samantha Hendrickson, file)
Republican-led states are rapidly expanding school voucher programmes even as warnings grow louder over their long-term financial sustainability. Across the nation, conservative lawmakers are advancing legislation to direct more public dollars toward private education, fueling a movement that critics say could destabilise state budgets and undermine public schools. The surge comes at a time of slowing revenue growth, dwindling federal pandemic aid, and increasing alarm over whether these sweeping initiatives are fiscally responsible over the long haul.
Texas and others lead ambitious voucher rollouts amid fiscal uncertainty
Texas became the latest flashpoint in the school choice debate after lawmakers approved a landmark $1 billion annual voucher programme, setting aside more than $10,000 per student to attend accredited private schools. While initially capped, state projections estimate costs could balloon to $4.5 billion annually by 2030—significantly outpacing early investments.
Elsewhere, Tennessee launched a $447 million plan, and although North Dakota's proposed programme was vetoed, Republican leadership made clear that
private education funding
remains a legislative priority. These moves underscore a national trend: Even as state revenues tighten, conservative lawmakers are prioritising expansive school choice measures.
Costs escalate as universal eligibility broadens access
Until recently, voucher programmes were narrowly focused on low-income or special-needs students. That model has largely been abandoned. Today, Republican-majority legislatures are removing income restrictions, allowing virtually all families to access taxpayer-funded scholarships and savings accounts.
The financial ramifications are already visible. Florida's voucher programme will cost nearly $3.9 billion this year, siphoning off roughly one out of every thirteen dollars from the state's general fund. Arizona's programme now consumes close to 5% of its general revenue. Analyses indicate that Iowa, Ohio, and Oklahoma are also seeing voucher costs swell to more than 3% of their annual budgets, threatening to squeeze other critical public services.
Economists warn that because many voucher recipients were already enrolled in private education before the subsidies, the programmes are driving up costs without significantly reducing public school burdens.
Public education faces growing budgetary pressures
As voucher programmes expand, traditional public schools are increasingly bearing the financial strain. In Ohio, recent budget proposals would deliver more funding increases to voucher programmes than to public schools beginning in 2026. Legislators also plan to claw back property taxes from districts, exacerbating resource gaps.
Public education advocates argue that with 90% of students still enrolled in public schools, diverting funds without adequately supporting the existing system will have serious consequences. Similar concerns are surfacing in North Carolina, where GOP lawmakers are boosting voucher funding while approving more modest salary increases for public school teachers than proposed by the governor.
Despite these tensions, efforts to scale back or pause voucher expansions—led mostly by Democratic governors and public education supporters—have struggled to gain traction in Republican-controlled legislatures.
National push intensifies as fiscal warnings mount
At the federal level, Congressional Republicans are advancing proposals to embed school choice initiatives into broader tax legislation. Proponents argue that such measures are crucial for educational freedom, but critics caution that voucher expansions will face stiff competition for funding against other Republican tax priorities, including cuts to Social Security benefits and overtime wages.
Analysts from nonpartisan think tanks warn that layering ambitious voucher initiatives onto existing fiscal obligations could destabilise long-term state and federal budgets. Without significant offsets or new revenue sources, funding both public schools and expansive private education subsidies may prove unsustainable.
Future of public funding at a crossroads
The Republican-led charge to expand
school vouchers
marks a defining moment in American education policy. Supporters hail the shift as a necessary correction to a rigid public education monopoly, offering families greater freedom to choose their children's schooling. Yet critics warn that without careful fiscal stewardship, the surge in voucher spending could erode public education, exacerbate inequalities, and strain state finances for years to come.
As more states deepen their commitment to school choice—even amid growing warnings about costs—the battle lines are sharpening over what the future of education funding in America will look like. Whether the bold expansion of private school subsidies proves visionary or reckless remains an open question—one that states may soon have to answer under tightening fiscal realities.
For real-time updates, follow our
AP SSC 10th Result 2025
Live Blog.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
11 minutes ago
- Hans India
In Nilambur bypoll win, Congress candidate Shoukath outstrips father's electoral record
Nilambur (Kerala): Congress candidate Aryadan Shoukath, who on Monday registered a stellar victory at the Nilambur Assembly by-election in Kerala by securing 77,737 votes to win with a margin of 11,077 votes, has bettered his late father and long-time MLA Aryadan Mohammed's electoral performance. Aryadan Mohammed was a legend in Nilambur by winning a record eight times and losing thrice. However, Shoukath won the seat in his second poll battle - after losing in 2016, but his father could win only in his third attempt in the 1977 polls after losing in 1965 and 1967. In the present election, CPI-M candidate finished second, and got 66,660 votes. More importantly, the Congress-led UDF has regained Nilambur for the first time after the 2011 Assembly polls. In 2016, P.V. Anvar, fielded as a Left-backed independent candidate, beat Shoukath by 11,504 votes, and he retained the seat in 2021, defeating the then Congress candidate by 2,800 votes. This time, Anvar, whose resignation necessitated the bypoll, contested as an independent candidate and got 19,760 votes, while the BJP's candidate Mohan George ended up with 8,648 votes and forfeited his deposit money. However, Anvar surprised all with the number of votes he managed to secure. CPI-M state Secretary reflecting on the defeat, claimed that the UDF has lost votes in the bypolls said as compared to the 2021 polls. "For us, this is one constituency where we cannot win in a political fight, and we have won when we put up independent candidates. The votes for the BJP-led NDA have come down as compared to 2016, and since the BJP candidate never had a chance, their votes have gone elsewhere. Moreover, the votes of the Jamat-e-Islami, all know where they have gone from the words of the Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan. The tactic of the Congress is to use both majority and minority communalism, and has resulted in the victory of the Congress," Govindan maintained, adding that the Left worked only for secular votes, and they will go forward in the same manner. "This has nothing to do with any wave against the Left government, and we are on track to form a third successive Left government," he said, referring to the Assembly elections due next year. On his part, Satheesan said this victory is for the 'Team UDF'. 'We, right from the start of our campaign, were able to sense that there was a massive anger against the (Chief Minister Pinarayi) Vijayan government's nine years of rule. The Team UDF, comprising leaders and workers, worked very hard, and we got exactly what we had expected. We will continue to work as Team UDF as we are going to win a landslide win at the 2026 Assembly polls," he asserted.
Time of India
16 minutes ago
- Time of India
Murder of liquor contractors: Dushyant alleges nexus between police, criminals
Chandigarh/Rohtak: Taking on Haryana CM Nayab Singh Saini-led BJP govt over the murder of two liquor contractors and rising extortion cases in the state, former deputy CM Dushyant Chautala on Monday said a nexus between some police officials and criminal elements had led to this breakdown in law and order in the state. Interacting with media after extending support to agitating workers in PGIMS Rohtak, Dushyant claimed that two DSP-rank officers and four inspectors were colluding with anti-social elements, and both the chief minister and DGP were aware of this, but they remained silent. "We are ready to name these officers," he added. Dushyant said a lack of experienced officers in the police had also emboldened criminals, who were now operating without fear. He said the CM and DGP made "hollow statements" instead of acting decisively on the ground. "They just keep repeating that criminals should leave Haryana, but there is no real action," he said. Dushyant also expressed serious concern over job security of workers employed under contractual systems and demanded that all such workers be absorbed into Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam (HKRN). He visited the protest site of 1,292 contractual employees of PGIMS Rohtak and extended his support. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cuối cùng, chơi miễn phí game chiến thuật hay nhất 2025! Sea of Conquest Phát ngay Undo Issuing a warning to the state govt, he said if the demands of the employees were not met within a week, the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) will join the employees in their fight for justice. Dushyant also alleged a major scam within PGIMS, claiming that fake names had been added to the employees' rolls and relatives of senior officers were being paid more than genuine contract workers. He said he will compile a list of such fake entries and write to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), demanding a thorough investigation. Speaking about party affairs, Dushyant said JJP was actively working to strengthen its organisational structure. "A membership drive was launched on June 15 across 22 districts, receiving an enthusiastic response from youth," he said.
Time of India
17 minutes ago
- Time of India
Bypoll results 2025: Congress gains in Kerala, suffers loss in Punjab; TMC retains West Bengal, BJP-AAP take one seat each in Gujarat
NEW DELHI: Bypolls were held on June 19 for five Assembly seats across Gujarat, Kerala, West Bengal, and Punjab, and counting took place on June 23. The contests saw a mix of gains and setbacks for national and regional parties. Here's a state-wise breakdown: Kerala: Congress' UDF wins Nilambur in big blow to LDF In a major setback for Kerala's ruling LDF, the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) candidate Aryadan Shoukath defeated CPI(M)'s M Swaraj by a margin of 11,077 votes in the Nilambur bypoll. Shoukath, son of former minister Aryadan Mohammed, secured 77,737 votes, while Swaraj managed 66,660. The seat fell vacant after two-time MLA PV Anvar, an LDF-backed independent, resigned. The victory gives the Congress a morale boost ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Lok Sabha MP from neighbouring Wayanad, congratulated Shoukath and said: "We worked as a team, each one with commitment and single pointed focus, that is the most important lesson of this success... Your trust and belief in the values of our Constitution, and in the UDF's vision for progress will be the guiding light for our way forward." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Преносим лазерен заваръчен пистолет, 50% отстъпка днес HL Купете сега Undo West Bengal: TMC's Alifa Ahmed registers landslide win in Kaliganj Trinamool Congress candidate Alifa Ahmed, daughter of late MLA Nasiruddin Ahmed, won the Kaliganj bypoll in Nadia district by a thumping 50,049-vote margin over BJP's Ashish Ghosh. Alifa polled 1,02,759 votes, while Ghosh got 52,710. Congress' Kabil Uddin Shaikh finished third with 28,348 votes. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee thanked voters and dedicated the win to 'Maa-Mati-Manush' and the late Nasiruddin Ahmed. 'In the by-election of the Kaliganj Assembly constituency, people from all religions, castes, communities, and all walks of life have overwhelmingly blessed us... I dedicate this victory to the people of Bengal,' she said. Alifa, an engineer by training, quit her job in the private sector and entered politics inspired by MP Mahua Moitra. Gujarat: AAP retains Visavadar , BJP holds Kadi The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Gopal Italia defeated BJP's Kirit Patel in Visavadar by a margin of 17,554 votes, reclaiming the seat that it had won in 2022 but lost due to the defection of its MLA, Bhupendra Bhayani, to the BJP. Meanwhile, the BJP retained its Kadi seat where Rajendra Chavda won by nearly 40,000 votes, maintaining its grip on the constituency since 2017. Punjab: AAP retains Ludhiana West, Congress' Ashu resigns In Punjab, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) retained the Ludhiana West seat, with candidate Sanjeev Arora defeating Congress leader Bharat Bhushan Ashu by 10,637 votes. Arora secured 35,179 votes to Ashu's 24,542. The bypoll was necessitated after the death of sitting AAP MLA Gurpreet Bassi Gogi. Soon after the defeat, Ashu announced his resignation as Punjab Congress working president, saying he was taking "moral responsibility" for the loss. 'I have tendered my resignation while taking moral responsibility for the electoral defeat in the by-election,' he told reporters in Ludhiana. The BJP's Jiwan Gupta polled 20,323 votes, and SAD's Parupkar Singh Ghuman received 8,203.
