House Republicans Seek $5 Billion Funding for Private School Vouchers

House Republicans have proposed setting aside up to $5 billion per year for scholarships to help families send their children to private and religious schools. This unprecedented effort would use public money to pay for private education, advancing President Donald Trump's agenda of establishing "universal school choice" by providing families nationwide with the option to give their children an education different from what is offered in their local public school.

The proposal would provide scholarships to nearly all households except those making more than three times the local median income. Supporters of private school vouchers say they want to give families assigned to low-performing schools more choices.

"Giving parents the ability to choose the best education for their child makes the (American Dream) possible," said Republican Louisiana Sen. Bill Cassidy, who sponsored a similar proposal in the Senate.

The program would be funded by donors who could contribute money or stock, and in turn, they would receive 100% of the contribution back in the form of a discount on their tax bills. It would allow stock holders to avoid paying taxes that would be levied if they donated or transferred the stock.

Critics have decried the proposal, saying it would aid the wealthy at the expense of the public school systems that serve the overwhelming majority of students. They say it would set up a tax shelter allowing savvy investors to make money under the guise of a donation.

"This is a significant threat," said Sasha Pudelski of AASA, a school superintendents' association. She added that states that have voucher programs often end up assisting families that were already paying for private school. "It's opening the door even wider to what has already plagued voucher programs around the country, which is rampant waste, fraud, and abuse."

This comes as the Trump administration downsizes the Education Department and cuts resources to public schools, including $1 billion in mental health grants and funding for teacher training.