HB 136 and Vouchers for Students

Unlike existing voucher programs, HB 136 allows funding to truly follow children into the schools of their parents’ choice

Bishop Blair sent a letter to the Priests, Pastoral Leaders, Deacons and School Principals of the Diocese of Toledo asking them to do all they can to make people aware of HB 136, and why we are asking people in our diocese to contact their legislators and ask for their support that is beneficial for Catholic schools and students.

HB 136 as currently proposed, would allow students whose families earn up to $95,000 in annual household income to receive a scholarship to attend a Catholic school. The income requirement is the determining factor for a scholarship, regardless of the rating for the student’s public school, or whether the student has a disability.

The Bishops of the Catholic Conference of Ohio support HB 136. The Conference has publicly testified in support of the legislation.

HB136 is beneficial for Catholic schools and students because:

It creates ways for parents' tax dollars to follow the education of their children, regardless whether they have attended public or chartered nonpublic schools;

It reaches out to working poor and lower-middle income families;

It provides for Catholic school families to be phased into the program if their families meet the bill's household income levels;

It complements Ohio's other school-choice programs

A floor vote on HB 136 is pending in the Ohio House of Representatives. Please contact your Representatives by your zip code http://www.legislature.state.oh.us