1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I want to urge you to vote no on Texas House Bill 3, the school voucher program, as it raises significant concerns about the potential diversion of funds from public schools. While the stated goals of providing educational options for low-income families and students with disabilities are commendable, the reality is that this program could severely undermine the already strained budgets of public school districts across the state. Rather than introducing a costly voucher system, the focus should be on directly investing in and strengthening the public education system itself. Many districts are facing deficits, leading to school closures, teacher layoffs, and cuts to essential student programs and resources. Siphoning funds away from these schools will only exacerbate these challenges, compromising the quality of education for the majority of Texas students. Furthermore, the proposed voucher amounts of $10,000 for general students and $11,500 for students with disabilities may not be sufficient to cover the full costs of private school tuition, potentially leaving low income families with limited options or financial burdens. The program's impact on rural areas, where private school options are scarce, is also a valid concern that needs to be addressed. Instead of pursuing a voucher program that could drain resources from public schools, the state should prioritize increasing the basic allotment for per-student funding and providing overdue raises for teachers. This direct investment would benefit all students, regardless of their economic status or location, and ensure that public schools have the resources they need to deliver quality education. Instead the proposed voucher program would provide $10,000 for general students and $11,500 for students with disabilities to attend private schools, amounts that may exceed the per-student funding allocated to public schools, raising concerns about potential lack of oversight and accountability for these funds in the private sector. The concerns raised by opponents of House Bill 3 are valid and warrant careful consideration. Public funds should be directed towards strengthening and improving the public education system, ensuring equal access to quality education for all Texas students.