1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

As lawmakers deliberate on school voucher bills today, I urge you to reject these proposals that would divert crucial funding away from public schools. While the stated goals of expanding educational choices and providing financial assistance are well-intentioned, the reality is that voucher programs drain resources from an already underfunded public education system, exacerbating existing inequalities. The fiscal impact analysis suggests that these voucher initiatives could balloon to a staggering $4 billion in costs, far exceeding the $1 billion currently allocated. This massive expenditure would come at the expense of vital investments in our public schools, which serve the vast majority of Texas students, including those from low-income families and with special needs. Furthermore, private schools receiving voucher funds are not subject to the same accountability measures and standards as public schools, raising concerns about transparency and the appropriate use of taxpayer dollars. Rather than diverting funds to private institutions with minimal oversight, we should focus on strengthening and adequately funding our public education system, which remains the cornerstone of equal educational opportunity for all children, regardless of their background or circumstances. I implore you to prioritize the long-term well-being of our public schools and reject these voucher bills. Our state's commitment should be to providing high-quality education to every student through a robust, equitable, and accountable public education system that serves the needs of all Texans.