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Senate subcommittee debates $50 million Opportunity Scholarship proposal

Senate Public Education Subcommittee · January 20, 2025
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Summary

A Senate subcommittee heard testimony for and against SB 1346, a $50 million grant program to provide $5,000 scholarships to 10,000 families. Supporters said it would expand options for underserved students; opponents from education groups cited research showing similar programs often worsen public-school outcomes.

Richmond — The Senate Public Education Subcommittee took up Senate Bill 1346, a proposal to create a $50 million Virginia Opportunity Scholarship Grant Program that would provide $5,000 grants to 10,000 families (up to 200% of the federal poverty level) to pay for summer programs, remedial or accelerated learning, or private school tuition.

Sen. Jordan, the bill’s patron, told the panel the program is “a really great opportunity I think for Virginia students,” arguing the grant would be additional funding that would not come out of existing public‑school dollars and would help students who fell behind during the pandemic. “We…

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