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Oppose Voucher Bill SB 2: Protect Public School Funding

To: Rep. Anchía, Sen. Parker, Lt. Gov. Patrick, Gov. Abbott

From: A constituent in Dallas, TX

February 5

The Senate's proposed school voucher bill, SB 2, threatens to divert critical funding away from public schools and undermine the commitment to providing a quality education for all students. This voucher program would allow families to use public taxpayer dollars to subsidize private school tuition through state-managed education savings accounts. However, this approach fails to prioritize the needs of low-income families and students with disabilities. Private schools are not bound by the same legal requirements as public schools, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which protects the rights of students with disabilities to receive appropriate evaluations and educational services. Testimonies from families like that of Felicita Piñon, a sixth-grader with cerebral palsy, highlight the concerns that private schools may not provide the necessary accommodations and inclusive environment for students with disabilities. Furthermore, studies from states with existing voucher programs have shown that these programs often benefit wealthier families already sending their children to private schools, while failing to consistently improve academic outcomes for low-income students. The Senate bill's definition of "low-income household" is overly generous, potentially allowing families earning up to $156,000 for a household of four to qualify for the program. Instead of diverting funds away from public education, we should focus on strengthening and adequately funding our public school system. Public schools are committed to serving all students, regardless of their background or abilities, and are accountable to state and federal laws ensuring equitable access to education. Investing in public schools will ensure that every child in Texas has access to a high-quality education, which is crucial for the future prosperity of our state.

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