PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Along with an effort to sell off state liquor stores, a new attempt to establish a school voucher program is shaping up as one of the big issues for Pennsylvania lawmakers in the year ahead.

Two state Senators – Republican Jeffrey Piccola, the chairman of the senate education committee, and Philadelphia Democrat Anthony Williams – have unveiled their proposal for a voucher program for low-income students.

On his way out the door, Governor Rendell promptly criticized the plan saying there may have been a need for school choice in the past but, “We’ve filled that need with the incredible expansion of charter schools during my eight years as governor.”

Erik Arneson, spokesman for Chester Republican Dominic Pileggi, the senate majority leader, says charter schools have been a godsend for many children, “but there are still too many students who are stuck in failing schools.”

Arneson says the school vouchers bill will be a priority for Senate Republicans giving it the title of “Senate Bill 1.”

Reported By Tony Romeo, KYW Newsradio.