Spending Plans For Public Schools Passes Louisiana Senate Committee

A different state spending plan for Louisiana's public school students now heads to the Louisiana Senate floor.

For the first time, the plan for the state's 700,000 students includes money for private and parochial school tuitions for some students in failing public schools--as part of Governor Jindal's education reforms. The plan dedicates $3.4 Billion to public education for the 2012-13 school year.

Legal challenges of the state's private school vouchers plan are anticipated. Some feel the Constitution dictates the money be spent on or for public schools, and not be allowed to "follow the student."

The measure passed the Louisiana Senate Education Committee by a 4 to 1 vote.