Jindal-backed private tuition vouchers take a hit
Court strikes at private school tuition voucher plan backed by La. Republican Gov Bobby Jindal
NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- Louisiana's Supreme Court says the funding method for a private school tuition voucher program pushed through the Legislature last year by prominent Republican Gov. Bobby Jindal violates the state constitution.
The voucher program was touted as a major achievement for Jindal, often mentioned as a potential presidential contender. It makes state-paid tuition available to students from low- to moderate-income families who otherwise would have to attend a poorly performing public school.
Tuesday's high court ruling said the vouchers were illegally funded with money from a program meant for public schools.
Jindal issued a statement vowing the program would continue with an alternate funding method. He'll need backing from lawmakers to accomplish that.
About 8,000 students in Louisiana have been approved for vouchers this year, up from about 5,000 last year.
