March 20, 2017

ATPE opposes vouchers, supports public schools

The Senate Education Committee will hear Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s priority voucher bill on Tuesday, March 21, at 9 a.m. The bill has been referred to as “school vouchers on steroids” because it contains not one, but two, forms of vouchers. The Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE) opposes Senate Bill (SB) 3, authored by Senate Education Committee Chair Larry Taylor (R-Friendswood).

“As the state’s largest educator association, we will do everything in our power to oppose Senate Bill 3,” ATPE Executive Director Gary Godsey said. “Why would anyone want to redirect taxpayer dollars to private schools and homeschools, which aren’t held to the same accountability standards as public schools? Voucher bills allow private schools to take taxpayer money and still deny admission to students. Let’s focus our time and energy on improving the only system that supports all kids, regardless of their race, religion, or zip code—the public school system.”

SB 3 sets up two voucher programs, including an education savings account and a tax credit scholarship. One funnels public tax dollars through parents, while the “scholarships” allow a private vendor to redirect taxpayer money. The results are the same. Under both voucher programs, public tax dollars are sent to entities without public oversight, transparency, or accountability.

For media interviews, please contact ATPE Media Relations Specialist Stephanie Jacksis.

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The Association of Texas Professional Educators (ATPE) has been a strong voice for Texas educators since 1980. It is the leading educators’ association in Texas with more than 100,000 members statewide. With its strong collaborative philosophy, ATPE speaks for classroom teachers, administrators, future, retired and para-educators and works to create better opportunities for 5 million public schoolchildren. ATPE is the ally and the voice of Texas public education.