Demurs

MR. Trowbridge is right: school vouchers do significantly increase the risk of government regulations that would impair the autonomy and effectiveness of private and parochial schools. What’s more, conservatives cannot in principle object to putting conditions on government aid. They have supported conditions in controversies over welfare, arts funding, and abortion counseling. And they were correct to do so: surely the government may properly specify the purposes for which it intends to disburse public funds.

It’s true, as proponents vigorously assert, that school vouchers are a slightly different case, because in conception they are supposed to be merely a rebate to parents who are relieving the public sector of an obligation. In the rough-and-tumble of political debate, however, it’s hard to see this distinction swaying many legislators. Who pays the piper calls the tune.

About the Author

Ramesh Ponnuru

Ramesh Ponnuru is the editor of National Review, a columnist for the Washington Post, and a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

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MR. Trowbridge is right: school vouchers do significantly increase the risk of government regulations that would impair the autonomy and effectiveness of private and parochial schools. What’s more, conservatives cannot in principle object to putting conditions on government aid. They have supported conditions in controversies over welfare, arts funding, and abortion counseling. And they were correct to do so: surely the government may properly specify the purposes for which it intends to disburse public funds.

It’s true, as proponents vigorously assert, that school vouchers are a slightly different case, because in conception they are supposed to be merely a rebate to parents who are relieving the public sector of an obligation. In the rough-and-tumble of political debate, however, it’s hard to see this distinction swaying many legislators. Who pays the piper calls the tune.