Republicans against school choice

In March the Oklahoma Senate passed the New Hope Scholarship Act by a vote of 30 to 18, with all 24 Republicans voting in favor (roll call here). The bill would give a tax credit to taxpayers who contribute to organizations that provide private-school scholarships for low-income children currently attending failing public schools in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

On April 23 the Oklahoma House of Representatives defeated the measure by a vote of 57 to 40 (roll call here). Here are the 17 Republicans who voted against the bill:













Rep. Don Armes (R-Faxon)














Rep. Gary Banz (R-Midwest City)














Rep. Lisa Billy (R-Purcell)














Rep. Ann Coody (R-Lawton)














Rep. Dale DeWitt (R-Braman)














Rep. John Enns (R-Waukomis)














Rep. George Faught (R-Muskogee)














Rep. Terry Ingmire (R-Stillwater)














Rep. Mike Jackson (R-Enid)














Rep. Shane Jett (R-Tecumseh)














Rep. Fred Jordan (R-Tulsa)














Rep. Charlie Joyner (R-Midwest City)














Rep. Steve Martin (R-Bartlesville)














Rep. Skye McNiel (R-Bristow)














Rep. Phil Richardson (R-Minco)














Rep. Earl Sears (R-Bartlesville)














Rep. Weldon Watson (R-Tulsa)