Republicans push for opportunity scholarships to be used at private schools
Republicans say public school students can use these funds for after school tutoring at private schools.
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Republicans push opportunity scholarships — Democrats say it will take money from public education
Republicans are pushing legislation that would provide scholarships to low-income students in Virginia for use in private education. Democrats say the legislation would take money away from public schools, but Republicans say it will help public school supplement their education.
The legislation, sponsored by Del. Mike Cherry, R-Colonial Heights, and Sen. Emily Jordan, R-Isle of Wight, would provide $5,000 scholarships for up to 10,000 students in Virginia. A family must be at 200% below the federal poverty level to be eligible for the scholarship.
“We have an absolute gap in education, particularly in Black and Brown communities,” Jordan said during a press conference. “If our goal is to make sure that our children are prepared, we need to make sure that they have a level playing field.”
Gov. Glenn Youngkin touted this proposal during his State of the Commonwealth and spoke at the press conference Thursday.
”I believe we are leading the nation in what we are doing in our public school systems,” he said during the press conference. “I also believe we are behind in providing alternative opportunities for families. Maryland has opportunity scholarships. North Carolina has opportunity scholarships. The District of Columbia has opportunity scholarships.”