The Iowa Capitol.

The Iowa Legislature School Voucher Bill was passed by both the House of Representatives and State Senate committees, and are advancing to votes on the floor of both entities soon. The bill would create universal Educational Savings Accounts using approximately $340 million in state funds that can be spent on private school tuition, one of the first states in the nation to do so.

Opponents of the bill argue that private schools are not required to have the same oversight on standards or where the money is being spent, and do not have to admit students of all races, religions, and disabilities, meaning less funding for public schools to help provide an education for those students.

Those in favor of the bill, including local legislators State Senator Julian Garrett and State Representative Brooke Boden, say the bill will not hurt public schools and provide competition for them to improve, and will empower parents and provide opportunities for all students regardless of their location in the state.