Say NO to $20 Billion Voucher Scheme

H.R. 1, the budget reconciliation bill passed by the House, creates a nationwide tax-credit voucher scheme to weaken public education by diverting $20 billion to private and religious schools. Entire communities would suffer, especially in rural areas where 20 percent of our students live and schools are economic centers.

Individuals would get a dollar-for-dollar tax credit—far more valuable than the usual deduction for charitable contributions—in exchange for giving money to an intermediary organization, which then funnels the money to private schools as tuition. Individuals who donate stocks would get an even bigger tax credit representing both the value of the stock and realized gains.

Vouchers do not improve student performance. Moreover, students who attend private schools lose important legal rights and protections—an especially serious concern for students with special needs.