TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP) - A bill expanding a voucher program that sends low-income children to private schools at public expense appeared headed for passage in the waning hours of the legislative session.

The voucher bill would let about 6,000 low-income students go to private school at public expense. Currently, 20,000 students get vouchers under the program that is financed by corporate income tax credits.

The bill increases tax credits by 30 million dollars to provide money for the expansion.

Opponents of the proposal say the state shouldn't be spending more on private schools at the same time it's cutting public school budgets.

Supporters argue the state would save money because the vouchers are worth only about 60 percent of what's spent on each public school student.


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