Vote No on Amendment 2
I will vote NO on Amendment 2. Here is why:
• Public money for private schools will largely benefit families with much higher household incomes. In Kentucky, the average income is $96,100 for a public-school household and $148,400 or 54% higher for private school households. In short, most families with students in public schools will be unable to afford the high cost of private schools, even with the voucher.
• Private schools have no limits on discrimination. They can refuse to admit children with disabilities or special learning needs.
• Kentucky’s poorest school districts would suffer disproportionately. If vouchers were on the magnitude of the state of Florida, some of our poorest counties would have funding cuts of over 20%.
• Private schools have no oversight on their educational performance.
A yes vote in November will upend Kentucky’s constitutional commitment to public education. It will lead to policies that widen the geographic, income and racial divides already straining Kentucky communities; shift public money to unaccountable private schools; and weaken education for all. Kentucky voters have good reason for concern about the aftermath if the amendment passes.
Join me and vote no for all Kentuckians.
Silas Hart
Versailles