Broad school voucher expansion makes Indiana GOP budget deal

Indiana’s new state budget will include broader eligibility of its private school voucher program and a speedup of planned income tax rate cuts under a deal announced by Republican legislative leaders. Senate Republicans had resisted both House-backed moves but they were included in Wednesday's budget agreement after new projections projected tax collections will be about 2.5%, more than previously expected. The voucher expansion could cost more than $500 million by allowing middle and high income households to qualify for state money toward private school tuition. Democrats say the voucher expansion will leave traditional school districts with funding increases below the inflation rate.