Another predecessor to current school voucher programs was developed in the early 1980s in Maine and Vermont. As a result, when Maine s law was challenged, both a state and a federal court ruled that the law complied with the First Amendment s establishment clause that calls for the separation of church and state. Cleveland Scholarship and Tutoring Grant Program, started in 1995, which also targets low-income students in grades K 5. Florida Opportunity Scholarship Program, the only statewide voucher program, which was started in 1999 and is restricted to K 12 students in public schools that are failing. Despite the fact that there are three voucher programs currently in place, it remains to be seen whether they will stand up to review by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Vouchers give parents more choice in where their child goes to school.
Vouchers offer alternatives to schools that aren't meeting student needs. Using vouchers to attend religious schools complies with the First Amendment free exercise clause. Opponents of vouchers say Vouchers do not offer enough money for most low-income families to pay the remaining costs. Many low-income areas do not have private schools at which vouchers could be used. The G.I. Bill precedent does not apply because veterans have contributed in ways students have not.