Senate backs bill to create limited school choice program

(AP) – The Virginia Senate has approved a bill that would allow some students to use public funding to pay for private school tuition.

The Senate voted 20-19 to pass the bill on Monday. It would allow parents of students with disabilities use a portion of their child’s share of state school funding to cover educational expenses, like textbooks and tuition at a private school.
    
Supporters say the state should help students who may succeed in a different educational environment. Opponents say allowing taxpayer dollars to fund educational costs at religious schools would violate Virginia’s Constitution.
    
The House has already approved the bill. A Senate committee amended the bill to require that it be passed again by the General Assembly next year before it can be sent to the governor.