BISHOPS ASK FOR EDUCATION VOUCHERS

Iowa's four Catholic bishops are asking state lawmakers to consider a plan that would give every Iowa parent an "education grant" for their child's schooling.

The voucher would let parents direct the state's "per pupil" spending to where their kid's are going to class, whether it be a public or a private school -- or their own home.

Critics say education "vouchers" undermine public education and violate the separation of church and state by directing state tax dollars to religious institutions.

Tom Chapman, the executive director of the Iowa Catholic Conference, acknowledges the idea is controversial.



The bishops met with legislators Wednesday on issues of importance to the Catholic Church. Sioux City Bishop R. Walker Nickless is urging lawmakers to pass a law dealing with "tele-medicine" -- to forbid doctors from prescribing the abortion pill through a video consultation.



Planned Parenthood of the Heartland began offering "tele-med" abortions in 2008.

Iowa's Catholic bishops make a yearly visit to the statehouse to talk with legislators.

From Radio Iowa

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