There are two main objections to President Bush's proposal to allow religious organizations to spend federal money on social programs to help the poor. The first is that such a program could be challenged as unconstitutional on grounds of separation of church and state. The other is that federal involvement will undercut the religious mission of churches and synagogues. Recipients could use the vouchers at any facility, religious or secular, that maintains a worthy program.
Vouchers have already been used in some programs, so there is a precedent.
Poor people already receive vouchers to supplement or cover their housing needs. Low-income women receive vouchers to buy day care at religious institutions. Some cities, such as Milwaukee, give vouchers to parents sending their children to religious schools. New York Times, April 27, 2001.