Governor Bush Loses Vote on Vouchers

The New York Times reports this morning that Florida Governor Jeb Bush was rebuffed by members of his own party on attempts to roll back a voter-referendum passed bill that mandates lower class sizes and on a bill that would increased funding for school vouchers. What caught my attention were the comments of the Republican legislators who joined Democrats in defeating the Governor's initiatives:

State Senator Dennis L. Jones, Republican of Seminole, was one of the Republicans who broke with his party on the issue. During the debate, he pointed out that voters have opposed vouchers in referendums in Colorado, the District of Columbia, Maryland, Michigan, Oregon and Washington State. "Quit using public money to send our kids to private schools," Mr. Jones said, as reported by The Tallahassee Democrat.

State Senator Evelyn J. Lynn, an Ormond Beach Republican and chairwoman of the Senate Education Committee, also joined Democrats in voting against the plan. Ms. Lynn said vouchers did not belong in the Constitution and called the plan an attack on the public school system.

State Senator J. Alex Villalobos, a Republican from Miami who opposed both amendments, was fired as majority leader by the Senate president, Tom Lee, Republican of Brandon. Mr. Villalobos said he chose to vote with his constituents and his principles.

"I think what it signals is the senators aren't rubber stamps," he said. "I voted with my district, which is overwhelmingly Republican. How the party line is 'stick it to South Florida schools' is beyond my imagination."

It is refreshing to hear Republicans anywhere acknowledging the fact that voucher supporters are out to destroy the public school system. And on a side note, it always amazes me when I am volunteering at schools with parents who are Republicans and strong supporters of the public schools and strong supporters of state and national politicans who are actively trying to gut funding for public schools.