As moms, we know what it takes for our kids to thrive in school: Great teachers, safe classrooms, and the certainty that every child, regardless of ZIP code, race, or ability, can count on a strong neighborhood public school. But, that promise is under attack by the national voucher scheme that Republican leaders in Congress rammed through last year — a giveaway that lets wealthy donors turn up to $1,700 in “scholarship” payments into dollar-for-dollar tax credits, no federal cap, no accountability, no guarantee kids with disabilities are even welcome.

→ We need more $$$ for public schools, not a tax break for billionaires. Tell your senators to keep public funds in public schools.

The Fight to Repeal the Voucher Scheme

But here’s the good news: Sens. Mark Kelly and Mazie Hirono just introduced the Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act, Senate Bill 4297, to repeal that voucher scheme. Real talk, I’m cheering so loud the dog is literally hiding under the kitchen table.

Why Public Funding Matters for Our Kids

Let me break this down and tell y’all why this is SO important! Every missing dollar shows up in our kids’ backpacks:

• Fewer counselors
• Larger classes
• "Sorry, we can’t afford new math books this year. And our arts program is cut."

Been there, and it’s heartbreaking.

Protecting Students with Disabilities

Kids with disabilities get hit first. Private schools that take voucher money can still say “no thanks” to an IEP, while public schools never get that option, and that’s how it should be. We’ve seen the nightmare in Arizona. Universal vouchers there ballooned costs, while public-school teachers begged parents to buy copy paper. I don’t want that for any child, anywhere, and I know you don't either.

→ Click to add your name, telling your senators to back the Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act.

Our public schools are the one place where kids from every background sit criss-cross applesauce on the same rug and learn how to share crayons, facts, and a future. That matters more than any billionaire’s tax loophole.

→ Join Us! Tell your senators to keep public funds in public schools!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act?

Introduced by Sens. Kelly and Hirono, S. 4297 is a bill designed to repeal the federal private school voucher program and ensure that federal tax dollars are used to support public education rather than subsidizing private tuition for wealthy donors.

How do voucher programs affect child care and health care?

When public-school budgets are drained by voucher schemes, it places more strain on the entire community ecosystem, often leading to reduced support for early childhood programs and child care initiatives that families rely on.

Do private schools have to accept all students under voucher programs?

No. Unlike public schools, private institutions receiving voucher funds often do not have to follow federal protections for students with disabilities, meaning they can deny admission to children with IEPs while still taking public money.

References

1. School Vouchers Explained: What the New Federal Program Means | Harvard Graduate School of Education
2. H.R.1 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): An act to provide for reconciliation pursuant to title II of H. Con. Res. 14.
3. Kelly, Hirono Lead Bill to Repeal Federal Private School Voucher Program, Keep Public Dollars in Public Schools
4. Don't follow Arizona's example. End universal vouchers now | Opinion

This post advocates for the Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act to repeal federal vouchers and protect public-school funding for all children.