1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

As a mom of an elementary student whose school lost an incredible teacher next year due to projected budget cuts, a direct result of vouchers, the proposed $1 billion private school voucher program would divert crucial funding away from public schools, exacerbating existing issues like teacher shortages, budget deficits, and the need for improved special education services. While portrayed as expanding choice, vouchers primarily benefit higher-income families who can already afford private tuition without meaningful accountability or admission requirements to ensure access for disadvantaged students. Instead of further straining public education, the Legislature should focus its efforts on substantially increasing the base funding level of $6,555 per student, which falls far short of meeting districts' needs after years of underfunding and rising costs. Investing in our public schools is the most equitable way to support all children across Texas.