1. United States
2. Kan.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to protect public education funding in Kansas and oppose any policies that divert taxpayer dollars to private schools through vouchers or similar programs. Every day, over half a million Kansas children rely on public schools—not just for education, but for meals, transportation, special education services, and extracurricular activities that help them grow and succeed. Public schools educate nearly 95% of Kansas students, yet current legislative proposals would shift public funds to private institutions that serve only a select few. The real cost of vouchers is the slow dismantling of Kansas’ strong public education system. Estimates suggest these programs could funnel $1,000 to $8,000 per student into private schools—institutions that are not required to accept or support all children, including those with disabilities. This is not about expanding opportunity; it’s about redirecting resources from the majority of Kansas families to benefit those who can already afford private education. If this trend continues, our public schools will be forced to make devastating cuts: Eliminating programs like music, debate, theater, and athletics Reducing support services such as librarians, nurses, counselors, and reading specialists Laying off teachers and increasing class sizes Cutting transportation and other essential services Kansas has long been recognized for its high-quality public schools, and it’s crucial that we keep them strong. Instead of diverting funds, we should be investing in teacher recruitment, student mental health, and modernized classrooms to ensure every child—no matter their background—gets the education they deserve. Public education is a cornerstone of our communities, economy, and democracy. I urge you to stand against vouchers and other policies that weaken public schools and to prioritize funding that supports all Kansas students, not just a privileged few. I appreciate your time and commitment to Kansas families, and I look forward to your response.