Reject harmful national private school voucher proposal

The U.S. House of Representatives' budget reconciliation package includes an alarming proposal to create a $20 billion national school voucher program over four years. This would divert desperately needed public funds away from supporting strong public education systems in favor of subsidizing private education costs. The voucher scheme allows wealthy individuals to avoid capital gains taxes by donating stocks and bonds to voucher funds while receiving generous tax credits worth up to three times more than other charitable donations. This creates a lucrative tax shelter benefitting the rich at the expense of students and communities. Additionally, the program lacks accountability measures or requirements that private schools comply with standards like accreditation, teacher certification, or disability accommodations. Private schools could reject students based on religion, disability status, academic performance and more while still receiving public funds intended for all students. Voucher programs consistently demonstrate an expansion over time, rapidly increasing costs while public school investments stagnate. Maintaining a strong, equitable public education system available to all students should be the priority. I urge you to reject this national private school voucher proposal that privileges private interests over the public good. Our public dollars should fund public schools that are accountable to all students and communities.