Leap of Faith leads to fraud. (My choice of caption)

[The Backlash Cometh]

Pre-K plan ignites flap over fraud
Republicans bristle at Democrats' concerns of potential cheating


TALLAHASSEE — Hundreds of millions of tax dollars will begin flowing to private pre-kindergarten programs in August, creating in essence the largest school voucher program Florida has ever seen.

But some lawmakers say the oversight for that money is woefully inadequate.


They compared the hastily passed bill, which sailed through the legislature in four days last week, with ones during the past several years that resulted in charges of financial fraud and theft, as well as abuse of the rules within the state's three other taxpayer-funded voucher programs.

"This could become our newest voucher cottage industry," said Rep. Susan Bucher, D-Royal Palm Beach, who along with 33 other House Democrats voted against the bill because of concerns about accountability and language that allows private schools to discriminate based on areas such as a child's gender, religion or disability. "It's like we haven't learned anything."

But Republicans scoffed at the concerns about possible fraud. Some said they were insulted by the Democrats' charges that private schools would swindle state tax dollars.

"You suggest there is going to be rampant fraud in the program, and that does a tremendous disservice to providers," said Rep. Dudley Goodlette, R-Naples, who sponsored the bill. "I am personally offended that you think these people are out there just to commit fraud. They are out there to teach children to learn, and they will be doing it in a responsible way."

Rep. Curtis Richardson, D-Tallahassee, said he was unwilling to take that leap of faith.]

More

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/content/news/epaper/2004/12/19/m1a_prek_1219.html


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That's it. I'm convinced Republicans want open season on stealing. They don't want any oversight on government to private funding; and they want to lower the awards in trial awards. It can't be more obvious.

[Demit]

1. As Ronald Reagan said, "Trust, but verify."

I have had a few occasions to throw that quote back in the faces of Repugs who act so outraged that their motives are being questioned. Thanks, Ronnie!