Hundreds rally as Pa. Senate readies voucher bill

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Hundreds of private school students shepherded by parents and teachers are at the Capitol to push for the state Senate’s passage of a bill that would allow more children to attend private schools with taxpayer help.

The bill was poised for a vote later today in the Senate. Supporters say it would create one of the nation’s biggest school-voucher programs in the country, if not the biggest.

It is projected to cost taxpayers $730 million in the first four years, as it expands to serve more children.

Under the bill, thousands of children mostly from low-income families would be eligible to attend a private or religious school with taxpayer help. Many other children would be able to switch to another public school district.

No school would be required to participate.