School voucher plan stalls in N.J.

A school voucher plan in New Jersey has stalled in the Legislature.

The Opportunity Scholarship Act would give corporations a tax credit for contributions they make allowing low-income students in poor performing schools to get vouchers to transfer to better schools.

Sheila Oliver, the Speaker of the Assembly, did not post the bill for a vote. However, Senate sponsor Ray Lesniak has not given up on the plan.

“We wait and try again when the Legislature reconvenes,” Lesniak said Tuesday. “I’ve been the sponsor of this bill for years and we keep getting closer and closer. At some point in time we’ll get it passed.”

Lesniak, who said he hopes lawmakers will vote on the measure after the November elections, says it’s important for the Legislature to act to prevent students from being trapped in chronically failing schools.