Advocates for Maryland public schools and teachers unions have taken a pre-emptive strike against renewed efforts to pass a law creating a voucher system that would pay for children to attend private schools.

The vouchers are part of legislation expected to be introduced to the state’s General Assembly during its 2010 session, beginning in January. They would be funded by donations from businesses to organizations that would grant private school scholarships. The contributions would be eligible for a 75-cent on the dollar tax credit for the businesses.