Oklahoma Seeks Special-Needs Scholarship Program

When the Oklahoma Legislature convened on February 1, a bill creating a voucher program for autistic and other special-needs students was on the agenda.

The bill, sponsored by state Rep. Jason Nelson (R-Oklahoma City) and state Sen. Patrick Anderson (R-Enid), will redirect existing funds instead of raising taxes. Special-needs students with individualized education programs would be eligible for state-funded scholarships to attend schools accredited by the State Board of Education.

State Rep. Anastasia Pittman (D-Oklahoma City) told The Associated Press for a January 19 story the program could also save the state a considerable, though unknown, amount of money by allowing tax dollars to follow students.

Karla Dial (dial@heartland.org) is managing editor of School Reform News.