S.C. lawmakers work on plan to reinstate school voucher program
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) - Just months ago, the South Carolina Supreme Court ruled a controversial plan to pay for families’ private school tuition – using taxpayer money – was illegal.
But that program could soon be reinstated.
Both the House and the Senate ed bills this year to reinstate South Carolina’s K-12 education scholarship trust fund program – which you may also know as school vouchers.
But their plans were different – and for the last few months, leaders have been negotiating a compromise behind closed doors that they unveiled here Wednesday.
MORE FROM NEWS 12
South Carolina: Latest from the State House
- Bill aims to attract South Carolinians to second careers as teachers
- S.C. state treasurer files petition with State Supreme Court
- S.C. bill would require doula care to be covered under Medicaid
- After years of resisting, S.C. moves toward hands-free cellphones while driving
- Gambling expansion draws increased attention at S.C. State House
“This is what I would call sort of the magic amendment. We reached a consensus on the key elements of the bill,” said Sen. Greg Hembree, R-Horry, the Education Committee chairman.
Last summer, the South Carolina Supreme Court struck down the previous voucher plan, which funded K-12 private school tuition using taxpayer money from the state’s general fund.
Lawmakers have since explored other funding options, including lottery revenues.
Now they’re proposing this *new plan should be funded however the state legislature chooses from year to year – meaning lottery funds *or the general fund -- again, which is what the court found to be unconstitutional last year.
This time, they plan to create a new “trustee” position to oversee the money and its distribution, which some Republican ers believe *could make it constitutional this time around.
Man arrested after allegedly cutting off 3 kittens’ tails
Deputies in Ohio say Bret Stalnaker threw a container at a woman during a dispute. It held the tails of three kittens.
“In my view, this is an insurance policy. I don’t know how significant the court will find the need for that, but by putting in there, I think it’s safer.”
At full implementation, students would be eligible to receive a scholarship -- if their family’s income is below 500% of the federal poverty level – about $160,000 for a family of four.
Up to 15,000 scholarships – worth $7,500 each – would be available annually – but the General Assembly could choose to fund more scholarships if it wants.
In addition to private school tuition, this money could be spent on approved uses including tutoring and transportation.
Democrats have uniformly opposed this plan – and asked for more time to give the compromise consideration.
Part of dog’s tongue clipped off during grooming, owner says
A Connecticut woman is calling for ability, claiming part of her dog’s tongue was clipped off at the groomers.
“Allow the of this body to at least read it, digest it, so we can have legitimate debate on a major shift in education policy in the state of South Carolina,” said Sen. Russell Ott, D-Calhoun.
Ultimately, the Senate did agree to give everyone more time to think over the bill.
They now plan to take it up and vote on it in two weeks.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
