Ohio lawmakers have started giving taxpayer money to private, religious schools. The state Legislature passed a bill this summer to provide grants directly to religious schools for building renovation, adding classrooms and improving playgrounds.
$4 million out of the state’s $600 million school budget will go towards the private school funding.
Senate President Matt Huffman, R-Lima, said the goal of providing the grants is to increase the capacity of private schools so they can take on voucher students sooner.
A Christian school in Lima welcomed its largest kindergarten class this year due to the funding.
Other states implemented school voucher programs that give parents taxpayer money to spend on private school tuition for their kids.
Advocates for Ohio’s plan to fund private schools directly said it cuts out the middleman.
Those against using taxpayer money for private schools said Ohio’s plan undermines the funding needed for public schools.