BOB ABERNETHY: Another seminal document about American history, the Constitution, refers to the role of religion in American life. But how that role plays out continues to challenge, for example, how to pay for educating our children. Kim Lawton takes a look at an issue that's likely to be hotly debated even through the summer.

KIM LAWTON: Parents who send their children to religious schools pay for it themselves. Of course, they also pay taxes, which are used to support public schools. But there is growing momentum around the country for the idea that parents, especially low-income parents, should have the choice of using tax-funded vouchers at private schools, including religious schools.

Rabbi SHOLEM BER HECHT (National Committee for Furtherance of Jewish Education): The parents feel now that our taxpayer money which is dedicated for education should also go to pay for children who attend private and parochial schools.

LAWTON: More and more cities and states are considering that option. This week, Ohio passed a law reestablishing a voucher program in Cleveland. A similar program is already in place in Milwaukee. And last week, Florida Governor Jeb Bush signed a law creating the nation's first statewide voucher program. Voucher plans are moving forward in several other state legislatures as well, but there is controversy. The constitutionality of Florida's law was immediately challenged in court.

Ms. MELISSA ROGERS (Baptist Joint Committee): Our First Amendment prohibits the government advancement of religion, and the Supreme Court has said that you cannot use public money to advance the mission of religious schools, and vouchers do just that.

LAWTON: Many opponents also say vouchers are actually harmful for religious schools.

Ms. ROGERS: With government money will come government regulation of the school. And paradoxically, these funds that the schools initially welcome may end up destroying the very healthy religious nature of the school in the end.