INDIANAPOLIS | A plan to use state tax money to pay tuition for students attending private schools was approved on a party-line vote Wednesday by an Indiana Senate committee.
House Bill 1003, a key component of Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels' education agenda, is now set for a final vote in the Republican-controlled Senate next week.
The Senate Education Committee amended the legislation to prohibit discrimination in private school admissions based on race, color or national origin and to clarify that state government cannot regulate the content of religious instruction at private schools.
As it stands now, the measure provides Hoosiers meeting certain conditions a voucher based on family income -- potentially worth up to $4,500 -- to be used for tuition at a private elementary or high school.
If enacted, a total of 7,500 vouchers would be available for the 2011-12 school year and 15,000 vouchers in 2012-13.
State Superintendent Tony Bennett said the legislation empowers Indiana parents to find the best school for their children regardless of income.
"This bill gives parents a voice, and it gives students a choice," Bennett said.