Ohio lawmakers seek more transparency in EdChoice voucher program

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- The EdChoice program saw a major expansion nearly two years ago, and more than $1 billion were distributed to students in just one fiscal year.

The EdChoice program allows public school students to go to a private or charter school, partly or fully on the taxpayers’ dime. The state's two-year budget, passed in 2023, gave every student the chance to apply for school vouchers, regardless of income. Now, some Ohio lawmakers, like Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington), are calling for more transparency.

“We have no accountability or standards for how the money is actually spent,” Russo said. “Is it actually being spent on the education of students? Or is it being spent to increase administrative salaries or buy luxury vehicles? We don't know. And that's a huge problem.”  

“Whatever the taxpayers are funding, there should be some sort of accountability to the public,” Ohio House Speaker Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill) said. “And that's regardless of what the activity might be."  

There are several bills in the Ohio House to do just that. The one gaining most traction is House Bill 407, sponsored by two Republicans, but has bipartisan support.

Among the protections, the bill would require that the total number of scholarship students is posted annually. However, before the bill had its first vote, several provisions were stripped from the legislation.  

“It speaks to the problem that we have here, is that there seems to be no political will from the majority to add real transparency and accountability on how these public dollars are spent,” Russo said.  

A section that would have required public money given to a student to enroll in private school be accounted for separately from other funds was removed from the bill, as was a provision that would have required EdChoice scholarship students take state tests.

Now the bill now requires the total number of students enrolled via scholarship be posted each year, and for that data to be separated by family income. It also requires annual state report card for schools private and nonpublic charter schools with scholarship students. Russo said she wants to see something comprehensive get done soon.  

“I think it's a concern not only for Democrats, but it's a concern for many Republicans. And I am not pleased that there seems to be no forward motion on this,” Russo said. “And I think that the public wants to know that as well. And they deserve to know what's happening with these taxpayer dollars.”  

Stephens said overall, he is supportive of adding more accountability to the program.  

“I think it's fair if taxpayers are funding a service, that there should be some accountability, whether that's schools, whether that's police and fire, whatever,” he said.  

Gov. Mike DeWine was not as definitive in his stance about what he wants to get done. He said there is “always a balance.”  

“The state does have an interest in making sure, if a significant amount of money is being spent, we are in fact getting the results that we need in the state,” DeWine said. “It’s a balancing test. I’d have to look at the language.”  

A spokesperson for Senate Republicans declined to comment on the topic.