MORNING NEWSBREAK | S.C. House Republicans gave key approval Wednesday to a bill expanding a program allowing parents to spend taxpayer money on private and home-school education — even though a pilot program has yet to begin and the state Supreme Court is still weighing whether it is constitutional.
The measure passed 69-32 with all but two Republicans voting in favor of the bill and every Democrat voting in opposition. The bill needs one more routine approval before it heads to the state Senate, where it is expected to face tougher hurdles.
The General Assembly passed what it calls the education scholarship trust fund program last year with a cap of $6,000 for up to 5,000 students, according to an Associated Press report. The money can go toward tuition, transportation, supplies or technology at private schools or public schools outside a student’s district. Within three years, the current program would cap eligibility to 15,000 students in families with income of $120,000 or less per year.
But this year, the separate House-passed proposal would open the program to all students and set the amount given to parents to rise along with spending per public school student. This year’s House bill also would expand the aid to home-schools. It also would eliminate state audits for private schools getting the money and would not require them to give their students the same standardized tests as public school students.
House Democrats suggested several changes to the bill, according to media reports, such as keeping the amount the Education Department can collect to pay a private firm to run the program at 2% instead of an increase to 5% or requiring private schools to certify they didn’t raise prices for voucher students. All their amendments were rejected.
In other recent headlines:
CP NEWS: Park Circle’s new community building unveiled. The City of North Charleston has officially opened its anticipated new community building in the center of Park Circle.
How does the private sale of Union Pier affect the public planning process? The city of Charleston and the Union Pier redevelopment team are signaling they want the public input process to continue, even though the site has been sold to local billionaire Ben Navarro.
Sullivan’s Island water supply to be disconnected unless $1M debt paid. The Charleston Water System is threatening to shut off the water supply to Sullivan’s Island when the town’s contract with the utility expires July 20, alleging that the town owes more than $1 million in back charges.
Charleston Public Safety Committee addresses homelessness in the city. The city of Charleston is partnering with outreach organizations and individuals experiencing homelessness to identify contributing factors and find solutions.
Tickets to North Charleston’s new comedy club on sale now. Comedian Josh Bates’ new comedy club Wit’s End in North Charleston opens June 1 with a show highlighting Lowcountry comedians, including some names from Savannah and Columbia.
Parents, educators discuss concerns at Berkeley education town hall meeting. The American Civil Liberties Union of South Carolina, the Berkeley County Education Association and the Goose Creek NAACP hosted an education town hall meeting in Berkeley County on Wednesday.
Boeing whistleblower’s lawsuit continues despite death. Death did not end the whistleblower lawsuit against Boeing over alleged unsafe and illegal practices.
S.C. House advances bill fast-tracking natural gas plant. A House committee voted unanimously Wednesday to advance legislation which gives permission for Dominion Energy and state-owned utility company Santee Cooper to partner on a possible 2,000-megawatt natural gas plant on the site of a former coal-fired power plant along the Edisto River in Colleton County.
McMaster marks new gun law with ceremonial bill signing. S.C. Gov, Henry McMaster has held a ceremony marking a new law allowing any adult who can legally own a gun to carry the weapon openly without a permit.
Help keep the City Paper free.
No paywalls.
No newspaper subscription cost.
Free delivery at 800 locations from downtown to North Charleston to Johns Island to Summerville to Mount Pleasant.
Help support independent journalism by donating today.