The committee won’t meet again until November, and only has until Dec. 31 to publish its findings on whether the voucher program is running as intended as it expands.
The committee was established in May, but vacant seats and rescheduled meetings have delayed its first hearing. It has until Dec. 31 to release a report on the state's voucher program.
A new report outlines rural policy recommendations focused on four major tenets: protecting people’s freedom to live and work safely; investing in infrastructure; reining in corporate greed and protecting workers, small businesses, and family farmers; and creating opportunities for a better future.
At current rates of growth, the program is expected to cost about $900 million—more than half of K-12 spending—but only serves 8% of all students in the state.
Nearly half of all borrowers say they aren't financially prepared to begin repaying their debt. Despite this, interest began accruing again on Sept. 1, and payments will be due again in October.