Expectations for 1998 Vouchers remain a priority with congressional leaders. A voucher bill from last year that may resurface is S. 1502, a measure to give vouchers to low-income District of Columbia students. President Clinton has vowed to veto voucher legislation. The National PTA opposes vouchers. The future of our free public schools is threatened by legislation that would provide federal support for nonpublic schools.
Public education is the major vehicle to perpetuate the basic values of democracy.
This system must be strengthened and governed by public officials accountable to the public and supported by adequate funding. In addition, vouchers would violate the constitutionally mandated separation of church and state. Return to the top of the page. Issue and Background Tax subsidies for private schools Several bills were introduced in Congress last year to create education savings accounts or education IRAs. These savings accounts would allow tax-free withdrawals of funds to be used for expenses at public, private, and religious schools or for home schooling.