GEM: Step toward vouchers

It is extremely disappointing, yet not unexpected, to learn that Representatives Mendive of Coeur d’Alene and Don Cheatham of Post Falls chose to vote in favor of sending a bill that will open the door to allowing public money to be used for private and parochial schools to the full House to consider. The bill would be a step toward creating private school vouchers or tax credits. They voted in support despite the fact that every education group in the state testified against the bill.

The bill was written under the guise of creating “scholarships” for students to attend private schools. This can be done without legislative intervention. That is, unless the next step is to divert public funds to private schools.

I guess these two gentlemen know more about running our public schools than the professionals. Should this bill become law and the apparent plan come to fruition, then they will be getting an education on the Idaho Constitution.

RICK JONES

Rathdrum