Senate Bill 901 - Voucher Expansion

   Like many other school voucher bills, Senate Bill 901 expands private acquisition of public funds, thereby shortchanging traditional public schools and students. The passage of this bill ensures that lawmakers retain the right to send public tax dollars to the private institute of their choosing - called "school choice" by voucher supporters. Many people don't understand the motivation behind these voucher bills, for lawmakers who vote "yes". The motivation for many is as old as the world - money. For instance, the Senate Education Committee vote was 10 in favor and 7 against SB 901. Eight of the ten "yes" voters received campaign donations and support from several pro-voucher (school choice) groups and dark money (unidentified pro-voucher funds). The eight highly paid senators included Senator Treat - $4,200, Senator Smalley - $3,000, Senator David - $2,500, Senator Stanislawski - $1,500, Senator Shaw - $1,000, Senator Quinn - $500, Senator Pederson - $500, and Senator Newhouse - $30,000 in dark money support. It is unknown whether or not "more money" influenced their votes, but it is a strange coincidence if it did not...