Billionaires and private school vouchers

For years, voucher and scholarship programs that used taxpayer dollars for private school tuition were limited to low-income or special needs students. Now, states like Arizona, Iowa and Texas have universal programs that allow any student to use public money for private school tuition. By the 2026-2027 school year, at least 17 states are expected to have that policy. There’s been a significant shift in the conversation about school choice in state legislation. Advocates say it gives parents options. Critics argue there’s not enough oversight over public dollars that billionaires are lobbying for.In Episode 17, you’ll hear about the culture shift on school choice. Joining us will be Joshua Cowen, a professor of education policy at Michigan State University who wrote “The Privateers: How Billionaires Created a Culture War and Sold School Vouchers.” And we’ll look at South Carolina, where legislators are dealing with some unintended consequences of a school voucher law they wrote in 2025. They’re now debating whether homeschooled students should be included in the voucher system. South Carolina Daily Gazette reporter Skylar Laird, who has been covering this, will discuss her reporting.Finally, Evening Wrap newsletter author Danielle Gaines shares the top stories she’s watching.Episode produced and edited by Mallory Cheng. Music for Stories From The States composed by David Singer.Click here for the full transcript: Relevant reading from States Newsroom outlets and partners:  School choice programs grow in popularity — and cost (Stateline) Arizona voters may decide future of universal school voucher system (Arizona Mirror) Lawmaker reverses course on bill to restrict money for Ohio school districts that sue over vouchers (Ohio Capital Journal) ‘A real trust problem’: Senators question SC superintendent’s judgment giving homeschoolers vouchers (SC Daily Gazette) School Vouchers Were Supposed to Save Taxpayer Money. Instead They Blew a Massive Hole in Arizona’s Budget. (ProPublica) Photo: A sign held by a teacher at a rally at the Arizona Capitol on June 5, 2024, to advocate for restrictions on the state’s school voucher system, known as Empowerment Scholarship Accounts. (Photo by Jerod MacDonald-Evoy/Arizona Mirror)