It's 'Voucher Sunday' For Philadelphia's Catholics
By Tim Jimenez
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Months after a school voucher program failed to pass the Pennsylvania state house, the Archdiocese of Philadelphia continues its call for school choice, declaring today "Voucher Sunday."
Archbishop Charles Chaput's recent column on www.catholicphilly.com is entitled, "Why Catholic Schools are Worth Saving."
He says the next few weeks are critical in school choice efforts in Pennsylvania. So, at parishes throughout the Archdiocese, there is a call for state legislation on school choice.
Archdiocese Spokeswoman Donna Farrell says students, teachers and parents will make the case to fellow parishioners.
"People will rally and contact their legislators and tell them Pennsylvania Catholics are speaking up and really want to see Opportunity scholarships, vouchers and expanded EITC. It's a question of fairness," Farrell explains.
They hope this galvanizes the type of support that saved four high schools that the Blue Ribbon Commission recommended for closure.
Supporters say school choice would save taxpayer money and would allow low-income families to send their children to better schools. Opponents, like the National Education Association, say school choice programs take needed funds away from public schools.
