1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

The proposed universal school voucher program under Senate Bill 2 raises significant concerns that must be addressed to protect the interests of Texas students and public education. Diverting $1 billion from public schools to fund private school vouchers, with costs projected to balloon to $4 billion annually by 2030, would severely undermine already underfunded public school systems. This could exacerbate the state's alarming teacher shortage, as schools struggle to retain and attract qualified educators due to inadequate pay and resources. Furthermore, private schools lack the accountability measures and oversight applied to public institutions, potentially leading to disparities in educational quality and services, particularly for students with disabilities who may face exclusion or denial of federally mandated support. The voucher amounts proposed are likely insufficient to cover the true costs of private education, especially for families with special needs children requiring specialized services. Texas must prioritize strengthening its public education system through increased funding and support for schools, educators, and all students rather than diverting critical resources to an unproven voucher scheme that risks undermining educational equity and opportunity. I urge you to oppose Senate Bill 2 and any legislation that diverts public funds away from our neighborhood public schools that serve the vast majority of Texas children.