Day 12 - 1/31/2007

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The Senate engaged in an almost 3 hour debate on SB 10 which provides for private school vouchers for special needs students.  Proponents argued that the bill, which is based on a Florida program, provides important resources to parents who are seek the most appropriate education for their disabled children.  They argued that, since the students who chose to utilize the vouchers would be attended private schools, the public schools would not lose necessary fund.

Opponents of the bill argued that it amounts to a voucher which drains necessary funds out of the public school system.  Opponents also expressed concern that teachers would not have to be certified, students would not have to have IEPs, the schools are not required to meet certain standards or to admit all students, and the private schools are not required to have special education classes.

Proponents defeated 4 amendments and passed the bill by a vote of 33 to 21.  Two Republicans joined all of the Senate Republicans in voting against the bill.