The state Senate Education Committee voted to increase the amount of people who can get a voucher to attend private and parochial schools. The bill expands a decade-old program that provides opportunities for students with special needs to students within the boundaries of Title I schools, regardless of financial status. 

Among the newly eligible are students who live in districts in need of a new school due to enrollment growth. 

Jim Swanson, CEO of Kitchell Group, joined parents opposing the bill, saying the money would be better used in public schools. 

"I'm a firm believer in funding the 93% of our students, of our kids, that go to public education. The state has made substantial progress in those last few years. But now, with COVID and learning loss we have more and more obstacles ahead of us in our schools," Swanson said. 

Currently about 255,000 students qualify, but bill sponsor Sen. Paul Boyer says the bill would double the amount who could be eligible. The bill goes to the full Senate.