New Hampshire House backs school voucher bill

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — The New Hampshire House has given preliminary approval to bill to allow parents to use public money to send children to private schools.

The bill, which is supported by Republican Gov. Chris Sununu, would provide parents with the state's basic per-pupil grant of roughly $3,000 to be used for private school tuition or home schooling. The House voted 184-162 Wednesday to send it on to its Finance Committee.

Opponents raised numerous objections, including arguing that public money shouldn't go to private schools that can discriminate against children with disabilities. Supporters argued it would allow parents to send children, including those with disabilities, to schools that better meet their special needs.