Act Now: Tell the House Public Education Committee to Oppose Private School Vouchers and Support Funding for Special Education in Texas Public Schools
 

What's Happening

On Monday, August 12, the House Public Education Committee is holding a hearing to consider the implementation of taxpayer-funded private school vouchers, referred to as an "educational savings account program." 

Why It Matters

School voucher programs are taxpayer-funded subsidies that students use to attend private schools instead of public schools. Vouchers harm students with disabilities in multiple ways. For example, private schools aren't required to offer the same protections and supports as public schools; there's an absence of accountability for academic and student outcomes in the private sector; and school vouchers lead to increased rates of segregation of kids with disabilities from their peers. 

How You Can Help

We need you to share the perspectives of students with disabilities and their families and tell the committee members to oppose private school vouchers and prioritize special education funding. Make your voice heard! See how to take action below.

Three Ways to Take Action

Use our sample language below to take action in one of three ways (or do all three):

1. By August 12, submit your comment electronically via the House Public Comment portal. Select "Educational Opportunity" under "Comments regarding" in the portal.
2. By August 12, call or email your representative. Find who represents you.
3. On August 12 at 9:00 a.m., testify in person at the House Public Education Committee (at the Texas Capitol, room E2.010).

Sample Language

Use this language on the House Comment portal, in an email or on a call. (If sending an email, use this subject: Oppose School Vouchers; Fund Special Ed in Public Schools)

Dear Members of the House Public Education Committee,

I strongly oppose the establishment of an educational savings account program as this would have detrimental impacts on students with disabilities, including a loss of legal protections for students and their families, lowered educational accountability and oversight standards, and increased segregation of students with disabilities. 

Alternatively, to increase educational opportunity for students with disabilities, the Texas legislature must address the existing crisis of underfunded special education services in public schools. Texas currently underfunds special education by $2.1 billion annually. I urge the legislature to adopt the formula-based funding recommendations in the Special Education Funding Commission’s final report, which would ensure appropriate services for students with disabilities in Texas public schools. 

As your constituent, and in solidarity with recommendations from The Arc of Texas, I ask you to do everything in your power to protect Texas children with disabilities.

Sincerely,
[Your Name] 

[Your Address] 

[City, State, ZIP Code] 

[Your Email Address] 

[Your Phone Number]

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