Special Needs Voucher Bill Now Law

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush says a new Mississippi law should improve opportunities for special education students.

Bush was at the Mississippi Capitol on Thursday as Republican Gov. Phil Bryant signed a bill creating vouchers for some students with learning disabilities. Families can use $6,500 in public money to pay for private school tuition, tutoring or other educational services outside the public schools.

The program is based on one created in Florida under Bush, who’s considering a 2016 presidential run.

Supporters say vouchers could help children whose needs are not being met, while critics say it’s wrong to spend public money on private schools.

Mississippi has about 66,500 special-needs students. The program will create vouchers for 500 students the first year. Over five years, it will grow to 2,500 students.