Ind. lawmakers look at expanding voucher program

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- A proposal being considered by Indiana lawmakers would expand the state's private school voucher program by making it easier for siblings of those already in the program to also receive vouchers.

The state Senate's Education Committee is scheduled to hold a public hearing Wednesday on a bill that would eliminate the requirement that the siblings of current voucher students first attend a public school for a year before becoming eligible for the program.

Indiana has the country's largest voucher program. It provides public subsidies to low- and moderate-income families toward sending their children to private schools. The state Supreme Court is weighing the legality of the program now in its second year.

The state is spending about $36 million to provide more than 9,000 vouchers this school year.