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PHOENIX (AP) — The Arizona House has rejected a bill allowing children who live on Indian reservations to qualify for a private school voucher.
Senate Bill 1332 is designed to give children on reservations more school choice. It is backed by the Center for Arizona Policy, a social-conservative group that is a powerful lobbying voice at the Capitol.
Several tribal lawmakers who are Democrats tried to persuade Republicans not to back the legislation. Backers advanced it on a voice vote Wednesday, but it failed 31-28 on the formal vote.
Voucher expansion opponents argue they take money from public schools already facing tight budgets because of low state funding.
The bill by Democratic Sen. Carlyle Begay of Ganado already passed the Senate. He says there aren't many private reservation schools and expects few users.
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