TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - A voucher program that uses corporate income tax credits to send about 20,0000 children from low-income families to private schools would be expanded through a bill a House panel has passed.

About 7,000 more low-income students would be able to attend private schools at public expense under the plan. But it's a fraction of the number that would have been able to use the program in its original version.

Currently, 20,000 students take advantage of the voucher program, which is paid for through corporate income tax credits.

The bill cleared the House Policy and Budget Council today and largely mirrors a Senate version.

Democrats have opposed both bills, arguing they would divert money to private schools from public schools.

The House bill now goes to the floor. The Senate version (SB 1440) also is awaiting a floor vote.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)