How To Take Action Against S-1872/A-2810
February 2, 2011 
2 Comments
SEE BELOW FOR LINKS TO TAKE ACTION!
In difficult times, we must work together and ensure New Jersey public school students continue to get the best education possible.
Our public schools have already lost over $1 billion in state funding. Now, politicians in Trenton are pushing legislation to give another $1 billion to private and religious schools, in the form of taxpayer-funded private school vouchers (called “opportunity scholarships” by voucher advocates).
This legislation – S-1872/A-2810 – was approved by a Senate committee on Jan. 20, and is headed for an Assembly hearing on Feb. 3.
New Jersey public schools are already dealing with deep budget cuts. The last thing we should do is to give another $1B in the form of vouchers to unaccountable private and religious schools.
Vouchers are bad public policy that will take much needed funding from our public schools in order to fund private educations for a select few students. That is money that should be going to local districts to support programs and staff for our public schools and provide property tax relief for all taxpayers.
Even worse: S-1872/A-2810 calls for at least 25% of the vouchers to go to students already attending private and religious schools. And up to $50 million will go to the scholarship granting organizations for their administrative costs!
New Jersey public schools are some of the best in the nation and must meet strict federal requirements. There is no accountability for private and religious schools in S-1872/A-2810.
Contact Governor Christie and your legislators and ask them to oppose S-1872/A-2810, because it’s bad education policy and bad public policy!
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The proponents of vouchers argue that the Abbott program is a dismal failure and parents should have the right to send their child will provide a better education. Both teachers and supporters of vouchers agree we want is what best for the child. What determines a successful school? Is it the money spent, is it the teachers,is it the community? Why are Haddonfield, Cherry Hill, Moorestown successful school systems? Money, Teachers, Community are they the reasons? Do all students in the abbott schools do poorly.The answer of course is no. Then what do the successful students in the abbott schools have in common with the successful schools? Families! Families that care about education. Yes, communities are different and certainly they play an important role in education, but if the family demonstrates that education is important then that child will succeed. Vouchers are not the answer to failing schools, but caring families will make the difference.
We can respect any denomination that wants to give their child a sound foundation in values. Many children of different faiths attend public schools and still are able to go to after school programs that offer excellent faith based education.
Can public schools improve, of course but withdrawing tax dollars to give to private schools is not the answer. Supporting our public schools is probably one of the most important things a citizen can do.
What is the CURRENT status on this bill?