1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

The state should not divert funding from public schools to private schools or vendors through school voucher programs. Vouchers lack transparency, accountability for academic results, and protections for students with disabilities. Public schools are required to educate every child regardless of ability or background, following standards that ensure quality education. Private schools receiving vouchers have no such obligations. Vouchers also promote a concerning rise of unregulated "pop-up" private schools more interested in profits than student achievement. Instead of undermining public education through voucher schemes, the state should invest in strengthening neighborhood public schools that provide high-quality options accessible to all families.