1. United States
2. Fla.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the school voucher program. I understand that school choice is a concept that resonates with many, the voucher programs harm our public schools and, the quality of education for all students in our state. Public schools are the backbone of our system, serving the vast majority of students, including those with special needs, English language learners, and students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Diverting funds from public schools to fund private schools undermines the resources available to our public schools and exacerbates the inequities in our educational system. The voucher program is concerning for several reasons: 1. Loss of Funding for Public Schools: Public schools are already underfunded, and taking taxpayer dollars away from them to support private school tuition further diminishes the resources needed to maintain and improve our public education system. This leads to overcrowded classrooms, underpaid teachers, and fewer support services for students in need. 2. Lack of Accountability: Private schools are not held to the same accountability standards. There are no mandates for transparency in student performance, teacher qualifications, or curriculum quality. As a result, families who rely on vouchers may not receive the quality education they expect, and the broader public loses the oversight necessary to ensure high standards. 3. Discrimination & Lack of Inclusivity: Private schools are not required to accept all students. They can choose which students they admit and may not provide the same level of inclusion for students with disabilities, English language learners, or students from disadvantaged backgrounds. This exclusionary practice can leave our most vulnerable students without adequate educational opportunities. 4. Worsening Inequality: The voucher program primarily benefits families who can afford private school tuition, while leaving public schools—often serving communities with higher levels of poverty and greater educational challenges—further underfunded and strained. Rather than investing in the success of all students, the voucher system creates a two-tiered education system where only those who can afford to supplement the voucher with their own resources benefit. Our public schools are in desperate need of investment, not cuts. Instead of diverting funds to private schools, we must focus on fully funding public education, ensuring teachers are paid fairly, and providing adequate resources for all students, regardless of their background. I urge you to oppose the school voucher program and instead prioritize strengthening our public schools. Every child in Florida deserves a high-quality education, and that begins with fully supporting our public education system. Thank you for your consideration. I hope you will stand up for Florida’s public schools and the students who depend on them.