And the money adds up. The legislative fiscal analyst estimates that the voucher program could pay out $429 million over 13 years if all qualified voucher students use the program. But it would mean we would not have to spend $1.8 billion for those students in the public school system, a direct net savings of $1.37 billion. That is money that can go to improve salaries, reduce class sizes and improve public education.

Even if we had 10 or 12 percent of students attending private schools, public school enrollment would not be cut back. This would all happen over several years, so we're simply talking about slowing the growth in public school enrollment, reducing the number of new students we have to pay for. Our public schools will still be crowded. The vast majority of Utahns will always attend public schools. But with 10-12 percent of students in private schools, significantly more money will be left in the public school system.

A good voucher program clearly helps public schools. Also worthwhile would be the reality of a little competition out there. Every institution improves and becomes sharper, more attuned to customers and consumers, with competition.

Given Utah's large families, rapid population growth and already-high tax rates, we must do everything we can to maximize revenue for public schools.

I'm the Utah education establishment's biggest supporter. I think public school teachers and administrators, for the most part, do a terrific job given the system they're in.

Sadly, however, those education establishment folks that I revere don't see this issue the way I do. They're hurting themselves. For the sake, essentially, of ideological purity (the near-religious doctrine that public money can't go to private schools), they are passing up the opportunity to have more money per pupil in the public school system. Ideological purity matters more than facts and common sense. Vouchers are the enemy and nothing will change their minds.

But here's the reality: If you want smaller class sizes, support vouchers. If you want more money per pupil, support vouchers. If you want higher salaries for teachers, support vouchers.

Interestingly, Utah's business community is starting to understand the math. I'm seeing more and more business leaders and associations come out in favor of vouchers as the vote gets closer.

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Republican LaVarr Webb was policy deputy to Gov. Mike Leavitt and Deseret News managing editor. He now is a political consultant and lobbyist. E-mail: lwebb@exoro.com.