A school choice initiative in Louisiana was passed today by the State House, but not without opposition from members on both sides of the aisle. 

H.B. 621, which would provide low-income students with around $4,000 a year to attend the school of their choice was approved by a 52-43 vote.  The funding, which is less than the state portion of the Louisiana public school formula, and is projected to actually SAVE taxpayers money, came under fire from legislators because it promoted school choice.

One legislator, Rep. Patricia Smith, a Democrat from Baton Rouge, went as far as to ask, "Don't you think there's enough school choice already?"  Wow.  Is there such a thing as "enough school choice"?  This kind of sentiment is deplorable, but sadly, Rep. Smith wasn't alone.  According to Rep. J. Rogers Pope, bill sponsor Rep. Kirk Talbot is going to have to "answer" to the public schools in his district.  Rep. Pope went on to say, "Either you're with them or against them."

Until each and every student in America has the unrestricted opportunity to attend the school of their choice, more school choice initiatives are needed.  It is absolutely ridiculous to think that legislators, who are voted into office by taxpayers, would insinuate that those very people do not have the right to choose what school their child attends.