"The Utah Taxpayers Association is a part of the pro-voucher campaign," Johnson said. "If voters want unbiased information, they should refer to the voter's guide that plainly states vouchers will cost Utah hundreds of millions of dollars — claiming that vouchers will ease the enrollment burden is ludicrous."

According to figures from the legislative fiscal analyst, districts could save anywhere from $95 million to $265 million over 13 years with the voucher program — but it would cost the state around $429 million.

Voucher opponents agree with the report's enrollment projections.

But the legislative fiscal analyst estimates that only 2 percent of students would switch from public schools to voucher schools. That would translate to around 12,000 students.

Critics also said the Taxpayers Association report is wrong in claiming that public schools will receive funds for voucher students for the foreseeable future.

"In five years, those funds disappear and will cut into public school funds just as more and more students are entering public schools," Johnson said. "Voters should read the fine print — the five-year cap on assistance for public schools included in the referendum may lead to increased taxes."

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E-mail: jdougherty@desnews.com; terickson@desnews.com