Leaders talking about school vouchers

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Education leaders in Texas made their case for and against offering state-funded vouchers for private schools. They held a hearing on Friday before a Texas Senate committee.

Supporters of the plan say vouchers would improve education, by letting parents choose where to send their children.

They also say it could save the state money, by cutting the number of students in public schools. Supporters say recent election wins by political conservatives makes passing voucher plans more likely.

"So, we're seeing a really big trend here in Texas and across the country with legislators saying this is a golden opportunity to bring this system into the 21st century," said Joseph Bast, of the Heartland Institute. "We have to do it, our back is up against the wall.

Opponents of the voucher plan told the committee that school choice may punish poor families who can't afford private schools, because vouchers wouldn't cover all the costs.