Through the years we have become more sophisticated and selective. We are constantly improving our ability to be effective advocates for children through legislative training and better communication. Ann Kahn was president of the National PTA from 1985 to 1987 . Return to the top of the page. The price poor communities will pay for economic growth under a new bill, H.R. 3467, is a mandate for the neighborhoods to provide private and religious school vouchers to eligible low-income children.
Communities can determine the voucher amount.
However, the value cannot be less than 60 percent of the average per-pupil cost for students attending public school or less than tuition and fees charged at religious or private schools. To be eligible for vouchers, referred to as scholarships in the bill, students' family income can be no higher than 185 percent of poverty. The bill also stipulates private school admission policies. While stating that students receiving vouchers are subject to school admission criteria, the bill specifies that voucher students already in private school receive admission priority over new students. A joint hearing on the bill by the House Ways and Means Committee and the Economic and Educational Opportunities Committee is scheduled for July 30.