Hometown schools at risk from federal voucher program
By Chandra Madafferi, MEA President & CEO
It’s back-to-school season, and in towns and cities across Michigan, parents and educators are gearing up for a new school year.
Whether it’s the buzz of a Friday night football game, the excitement of a school play, or the familiar faces in the school pick-up line, our hometown public schools are at the heart of who we are as Michiganders.
But a new national school voucher program enacted as part of the recently passed federal spending plan could have devastating impacts on school communities in towns across Michigan.
The federal voucher program will allow donors to receive a 100% federal tax credit for donating to what’s marketed as “scholarships” designed to support private schools. Donors can give $1,700 to a private school foundation and then get every penny of that back if they file an itemized federal tax return.
Some estimates indicate a federal budget impact of more than $100 billion each year, according to the nonpartisan Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. This would divert already limited tax dollars away from neighborhood public schools and allocate them to private schools instead.
Thankfully, due to last-minute changes made in the Senate, the federal spending bill requires states to opt in if they wish to participate in the voucher program.
We are urging Michigan lawmakers on both sides of the aisle to reject aggressive lobbying and political pressure and say no to the federal school voucher program.
Similar state-level voucher programs have proliferated in recent years, damaging state finances and undermining school stability. For example, Arizona’s program, enacted just three years ago, has drained hundreds of millions from that state’s budget, forcing cuts to critical services that everyday citizens rely on, according to the Grand Canyon Institute. The program has already cost Arizona taxpayers three times more than originally projected.
Michigan, meanwhile, has overwhelmingly rejected efforts to implement voucher programs in our state. In 2000, 69% of Michigan voters rejected Proposal 1, which would have implemented a statewide voucher program.
A few years ago, voucher proponents attempted to revive their efforts, launching a petition drive to place voucher legislation before the state Legislature, which, if approved by the Senate and House, would have been veto-proof. Fortunately, the petition drive failed.
Why have Michigan voters, parents, educators and community leaders repeatedly rejected school vouchers? It’s because regardless of our differences as individuals, we all value our neighborhood public schools and want to strengthen them for the sake of our children and our communities.
Our hometown public schools are the backbone of our communities and the foundation of a strong economy. When we invest in our neighborhood public schools, we’re not just supporting students and teachers; we’re building a skilled workforce, vibrant neighborhoods, and a future where everyone can thrive.
The smartest path forward is one that rejects school vouchers and instead focuses on strengthening our public schools and thereby strengthening Michigan.
Labor Voices
Labor Voices columns are written on a rotating basis by United Auto Workers President Shawn Fain, Michigan Education Association President Chandra Madafferi, Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights Executive Secretary-Treasurer Tom Lutz and selected Service Employees International Union members.
