Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, who has long opposed reauthorization of the DC Opportunity Scholarship Program, signaled today the possibility of supporting a reauthorization of the program under certain conditions.
In a hearing on the impact of federal funds on the education of children in the District of Columbia, Sen. Durbin said, "I have to work with my colleagues if this is going to be reauthorized, which it might be." He later added his understanding that "many students are getting a good education in the program."
"While some of his objections to the program's operations are of concern, his signaling of support suggests that the concerted effort of proponents to bring the voices and needs of DC families to Sen. Durbin and his colleagues is having an impact," said Jeanne Allen, president of the Center for Education Reform. "We applaud Sen. Durbin's suggestion of positive action on the program's reauthorization and will work to hold him to his word."
See also:
• Dick Durbin and D.C. School Vouchers: Do you believe in political miracles?, Editorial, Wall Street Journal, September 30, 2009
• In Focus: DC School Choice
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