Reject HR1 Federal Voucher Program to Protect Public Schools

I am writing to urge you to reject the HR1 federal school voucher program and protect public education in our state. This program would redirect federal tax dollars to private schools while leaving public schools that serve 90% of all children with fewer resources and deeper budget cuts. The HR1 voucher program operates through federal tax credits that will reduce funding available for essential programs including Title I for low-income students, IDEA for students with disabilities, and school nutrition programs. We have already seen the devastating impact of voucher expansion in other states, where similar policies have drained the state budget and weakened public schools. Our state cannot afford to repeat those mistakes. This program will bankroll discrimination by allowing private schools to receive public funding while maintaining admissions policies that exclude students with disabilities, LGBTQ+ students, multilingual learners, and students of color. Meanwhile, public schools that are required to serve every child regardless of background or ability will face funding cuts that make it very hard to fulfill that mission. I oppose using my tax dollars to fund religious schools and private institutions that operate without the educational and testing standards and the civil rights protections required of public schools. Families deserve a fully funded public education system that provides opportunity for every child, not a two-tiered system that rewards privilege and denies opportunity to those who need it most. Please opt out of the HR1 voucher program and stand with the communities that rely on public schools every day.