Don These Programs Just Help Rich People, as Tuition Subsidies, and Leave the Poor Behind?
School choice programs are aimed at serving those least served now. The two modern programs in Milwaukee and Cleveland help poor and needy children. In Cleveland, students from low-income families received larger scholarships. Students coming from families whose income was below 200% of the poverty line received 90% of their school’s tuition, up to $2,250, while those students coming from families whose income was at or above 200% of the poverty line were eligible to receive $1,875 or 75% of their school’s tuition, whichever was less. Low-income students also had a better chance of winning the initial lottery. Because this lottery received considerable attention by the local press, low income families were more likely to find out that they had won a scholarship. In Milwaukee, eligibility is limited to Milwaukee families with incomes at or below 175% of the federal poverty level. An estimated 65,000 to 70,000 children meet the income eligibility guidelines. In 1995–1996, participation w
