I don't live in the USA so I don't know what exactly could be bought, but isn't the news article talking about something completely positive? If that children its not using this vouchers, why let them expire if they (I think) can't be traded? My main concern is about what exactly can be bought. I think its fair for it to be used for something more basic, like a basic computer monitor or tablet/laptop. A basic TV and tickets to events like theater and cinema I think its still fair.
The article does make an extremely good point about the possibility of funds drying up for actual students and classrooms in need.
It's more that they're trying to make these vouchers seem enticing, so that parents will withdraw their kids from public schools, and force public schools to fold due to a lack of students and funding.
Because this money is intended for education. It's bad enough that vouchers steal funds from public schools to send to private schools (which do not have to meet the standards of public schools), but just spending it unrelated expenses?