1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

The proposed education savings account program tied to public school funding raises several concerns about its impact on vulnerable students and public education overall. While providing families with more educational options is important, diverting funds from already underfunded public schools could have severe repercussions. This voucher program does not guarantee that private schools will accept students with disabilities or provide them with appropriate services mandated by federal law. Furthermore, by making the voucher amount dependent on public school funding levels, the program risks undermining resources for students who remain in public schools during times of strained budgets. Rather than pursuing privatization policies that risk harming public schools, the priority should be increasing funding and support for all public school students and teachers. Policies should aim to strengthen and improve public education equitably for all children, not siphon funds towards unaccountable private institutions. I urge you to reconsider this bill and its ramifications. Instead of vouchers, invest in proven strategies to raise standards and outcomes across Texas public schools through increased funding, evidence-based curriculum, improved teacher recruitment/retention, and expanded services for underserved students. Public funds should support public education that provides quality schooling for all children regardless of income, zip code or ability.