Last day of session vouchers pass Florida Senate

Last day of session vouchers pass Florida Senate - May 99

Students in flailing Florida schools would be eligible for vouchers next year under the first statewide school voucher plan in the nation. Lawmakers gave the governor what he asked for Friday afternoon. Under the voucher plan, the governor and cabinet will develop standards for giving schools a grade of A to F.

It took all 60 days of the legislative session, but Jeb Bush is getting his voucher bill. The vote came after almost two hours of heated Senate debate. Sen. Howard Forman said, “Where are they going to go “Classrooms are us” if they are going to go with cardboard schools with no accountability?”

Right now there are only 4 Florida schools that are failing, but next year that number can be 160. Pat Thomas represents the only failing high school in the state. He was the only democrat to vote yes. Thomas said, “Well, I come from a place that needs a hell of a lot of help.”

Many who argued against the bill don’t think it’ll ever become law. Sen. Steve Geller said, “This ruling, that will authorize money to go to parochial schools is a violation, I believe, of the US constitution, but certainly the constitution of the state of Florida.”

Opponents were listening in the shadow of the governor’s office and they promised a lawsuit. Leon Russell with the NAACP said, “We will go to court and we will fight on every battle front there is.”

But Governor Jeb Bush and supporters were clearly elated they say this isn’t the end of the fight, just the beginning. “This is an effort to improve public schools, but it’s also recognition that when there is chronic failure, it is just and morally right to provide parents other options,” said Bush.

Exact details as to what constitutes a failing school still need to be worked out. Jeb Bush will have that responsibility soon.

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