Governors should have to answer to public school families before Election Day. As many seek another term, demand a public commitment to reject the Trump administration’s federal private school voucher program.

The billionaire class has the attention of candidates and elected officials. Families and educators deserve to be heard just as clearly. Our public schools need more resources, and governors should be fighting for the children who depend on them.

This federal private school voucher program would subsidize private tuition through tax credits that reduce revenue available for public education and other essential services. Donors could receive up to $1,700 in federal tax credits for contributions to scholarship organizations, including those helping families pay tuition at private schools their children already attend.

The proposed regulations make opting in even more dangerous. Under the U.S. Treasury Department’s proposal, participating states would face restrictions that put private school vouchers beyond the safeguards governors may promise.

• States could not reserve the program for public school students. Joining to support tutoring or supplies would also mean admitting qualifying organizations that finance private school vouchers.
• States would face limits on stronger oversight. The proposal would restrict additional state operating requirements for scholarship organizations.
• Students would lack the same protections they receive in public schools. The program does not require participating private schools to provide equivalent civil rights protections. Families voluntarily placing children with disabilities in private schools generally lose the individual entitlement to services guaranteed under IDEA in public schools.

Public schools serve 9 out of 10 students. They are responsible for educating all children, even those who private schools reject. Governors should strengthen public schools and defend students’ rights.

Send your governor a message demanding they reject participation in the federal voucher program. If they have already agreed to join, urge them to reverse course. Demand a public commitment before Election Day to protect public schools and the children they serve.