Senate Bill 2494 (Voucher Bill)

The CCI continues to work diligently to advance this legislation.  As soon as the bill passed the Senate two weeks ago, we began engaging House leadership and key House members.  This work led to a favorable committee assignment -- House Executive Committee -- and we hope for a hearing next week.  This week, Bob and I spoke with a number of House members, including several African-American legislators representing areas affected by the legislation.  It is clear the House will be a tougher nut to crack than the Senate.  Members are worried the problems support of this bill might bring them, and the teachers unions are hard at work.  Additionally a vote earlier in the session to curtail teacher pensions is having a negative affect -- several members have mentioned it and worry how many times or how far they can cross the unions.  We keep working with our coalition partners and advocating for the children and our schools.