Bosma's Comments on Voucher Bill

I read an interesting column in the Louisville Courier-Journal from last week, where Indiana Statehouse reporter Lesley Stedman-Weidenbener discussed the comments made by House Speaker Brian Bosma, (R)-Indianapolis, regarding the purpose of the voucher bill.  The Democrats proposed an amendment to this bill prior to its passing the House which would have only made vouchers available to students in failing schools.  Representative Ed Delaney, (D)-Indianapolis, explained, "If Republicans had been honest about their motivation for vouchers, they would certainly accept the failing school amendment."  However, the amendment failed, and when asked about the Republicans' motivation behind supporting the bill, Bosma explained, "Helping kids escape from failing schools was never the primary goal of the voucher plan... 'It’s about empowering parents with additional choices'"  This column was clearly left-leaning, but it still proposes a good point.  I have no problem with providing parents with additional choices in districts where they are needed; however, I do not like the fact that providing an emphasized focus to children in failing schools was not even considered by Republicans.  I understand limiting the control of government over citizens' actions, but providing all Hoosiers with a quality education is a guaranteed right in the Indiana State Constitution, and insuring that this right reaches all students should be the primary goal of both Democrats and Republicans.

The article can be read on the Courier-Journal's website.