Finally, H.R. 3467, like any voucher proposal, raises questions about how, in a time of budget deficits and education funding cuts, Congress can subsidize private schools. The problem with the voucher provisions of H.R. 3467 are numerous. I have noted just a few. The issue, however, is not about how to make a voucher plan work. The issue is public support for public schools.
Vouchers are about using tax dollars to finance private and religious education.
Vouchers are about shifting our country's policy priority from supporting public education to providing funds to non-public schools. This bill has the very real potential of allowing discrimination against many students who could be denied access to federally funded private schools. In closing, I urge you to evaluate the vouchers in the context of how the plan impacts all children in public schools. A closer look, however, reveals a complex situation that does not lead to equal educational opportunities. Instead vouchers will likely place far more young Americans at greater risk by creating a wider gap in the distribution of school resources.