As the legislative session winds down, lawmakers are talking about one of Governor Bobby Jindal's signature packages of legislation: education reform.

The governor's agenda scored a victory when lawmakers okayed a statewide voucher plan.  It expands on a program that started in New Orleans that creates taxpayer funded vouchers, termed "scholarships" by supporters, to pay for students in failing public schools to enroll in participating private schools.

Sen. Danny Martiny (R-Metairie) says it will make a difference.

"Our efforts on education actually show we are trying to do something," Martiny said.  "Sure, we're going to ruffle people's feathers, but you know something?  Good teachers and good superintendents and good principles, they're not going to have any problems under this."

Rep. Joe Harrison (R-Houma) doesn't think it will help.

"Our problem is not going to be solved by giving a disinterested parent a voucher," he said.

Lawmakers also approved a bills giving public school principals greater authority in hiring and firing teachers, and made it tougher for teachers to achieve tenure.