Prioritize equitable public education funding over school voucher program

The proposed school voucher program in Texas, outlined in House Bill 3, raises significant concerns about its impact on public education in the state. While proponents argue that school choice will improve educational outcomes, evidence from other states like Arizona suggests that voucher programs can drain substantial funding from public schools, exacerbating budgetary challenges. The experience in Arizona, as referenced by the ProPublica report, underscores the potential for a voucher program to escalate costs far beyond initial projections, diverting crucial resources away from public school systems. This could severely undermine the quality of education accessible to the vast majority of Texas students who rely on public schools. Rather than pursuing a voucher program that may benefit a select few, it is imperative that Texas prioritizes robust funding and support for its public education system. Ensuring equitable access to quality education for all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background or geographic location, should be the guiding principle. A strong, well-funded public education system is essential for cultivating an educated and skilled workforce, fostering economic growth, and promoting social mobility. Diverting resources away from public schools could have detrimental long-term consequences for the state's future. It is crucial to learn from the challenges faced by other states and to prioritize evidence-based policies that strengthen public education for all Texas students. The state's leaders should carefully reconsider the potential ramifications of House Bill 3 and explore alternative strategies that empower and uplift the existing public school system, ensuring that no child is left behind. Please vote no on HB3.