(NJ) Bills propose private funds for vouchers 4,000 kids would benefit

Star Ledger ^ | 11.30.05 | John Mooney

[Coleus]

In what could be the first big legislative test for New Jersey's school voucher supporters, a pair of bills was filed that would provide privately funded scholarships for 4,000 children in four cities to attend schools of their choice.

The proposed Urban Schools Scholarship Act would create pilot programs in Newark, Orange, Camden and Trenton where low-income children could tap scholarships of up to $9,000 to attend private schools or public schools outside their district, backers say.

They would be funded entirely by corporate contributions that, under the new bills, would in turn qualify for state tax credits of up to $24 million the first year and $120 million by the fifth year of the pilot.

The tax-credit approach is a version of the better-known publicly funded voucher concept that has been debated nationally, and these bills are sure to be contested by powerful players on each side.

Aimed at the Legislature's upcoming lame-duck session, some of the state's top religious leaders, including Newark Archbishop John J. Myers, plan to press the proposal. The state's formidable teachers union is among those certain to fight it.

Acting Gov. Richard Codey's spokeswoman said yesterday Codey remains opposed to vouchers, although added he would not block hearings or a vote on the measures. Incoming Gov. Jon Corzine's office was even less committal, although as a candidate he also opposed vouchers.

But a big twist this time is the bills' backing from some prominent Democratic legislators, including state Sen. Joseph Doria (D-Hudson). A rally in support of the bills is planned for next Monday on the State House steps where Myers and the Rev. Reginald Jackson, president of the state's black clergy council, also are expected to attend.

[Coleus]

LOL, first it was jimmy carter speaking on abortion about the need for the dims to change their platform and now the liberal state of NJ is proposing school vouchers using private money with tax credits (Bret Schundler's Idea). Attention RINO's, the democrats are going to fool everybody and just may win in future elections, both nationally and state wide. Here's the secret, when liberals become more moderate, the unaffiliated voter and Reagan democrats like it; however, when spineless RINO's and other republicans move to the middle, the unaffiliated voter, the conservatives and RD's don't like it. And, the Reagan democrats just may stay in their party if the democrat party continues to speak positively on pro-life and voucher issues. The republicans had the NJ legislature for 10 yrs. and lost it, soon we may lose the US Congress.

[libertarianPA]

Acting Gov. Richard Codey's spokeswoman said yesterday Codey remains opposed to vouchers, although added he would not block hearings or a vote on the measures. Incoming Gov. Jon Corzine's office was even less committal, although as a candidate he also opposed vouchers.

Well, the real libs ain't foolin anyone just yet.

[nmh]

How some some vouchers for MY school district?

I want my 12K!

That's what I'm told tax payers spend per pupil in government schools.

Private school is costing us money ... .

[nmh]

"The republicans had the NJ legislature for 10 yrs. and lost it, soon we may lose the US Congress."

Yup ... I can't post my thoughts on that or I'd be banned. To put in gently, it upsets me.

[USS Alaska]

Do they go to school in new joisey?

[nmh]

Yes.

Unfortunately we moved to New Jersey back in 84.

It's spelled New Jersey - atleast we know that much!