backpack bill

There are some big departures from Gov. Mike DeWine's initial budget, and it passed the committee nearly unanimously.

Public school advocates continue to advocate for a fully funded school finance plan, as some Republicans who have backed the idea of expanding vouchers for private schools are pressing down on the brake pedal.

The so-called "Backpack Bill" would allow parents of most private school students in Ohio to get state-funded vouchers.

At issue is the proposed expansion of the EdChoice Scholarship Program that allows students to use state-funded vouchers to attend private schools.

The new bill got its first committee hearing today at the Ohio Statehouse

The legislation, known as the "backpack bill," allows universal vouchers for all students, regardless of family income.