Republican legislative leaders say neither the House nor the Senate will take up voucher legislation that would allow public money to be spent on Oklahoma students who attend private schools.
House Speaker Jeff Hickman and Senate Pro Tem Brian Bingman say lawmakers will not be asked to consider Education Savings Account bills pending in each of the chambers on Thursday, the deadline for measure to be heard in their house of origin. They say lawmakers will continue working on the issue and try to build consensus.
House Bill 2949 and Senate Bill 609 had passed legislative committees in their respective chambers.
Hickman says lawmakers want to give Oklahoma school children more education opportunities to improve student outcomes without harming public schools. But fiscal impact studies indicate the measures would deprive public schools of millions of dollars.
“I appreciate legislative leaders for continuing the conversation on Education Savings Accounts,” said Governor Mary Fallin. “It’s important to give low-income parents the ability to determine the best educational opportunities for their children. All students learn differently and should have the opportunity to attend a school that offers the best learning environment for each student to be successful. I look forward to working with the House and Senate to develop effective legislation on ESAs.”
