Vouchers give public dollars to a select few

Gov. Kim Reynolds uses all the right trigger words to persuade Iowans that taking public money for private schools is her best-ever idea. Reynolds renamed vouchers, for example, calling them ‘scholarships.’ Vouchers are not scholarships.

They are the transfer of tax dollars paid by all of us to benefit a select few.

She insisted her proposal “empowers low-income parents.” Ask yourself: How many low-income families will switch to private schooling if the voucher doesn’t cover the full cost of tuition, fees, uniforms, and transportation?

Reynolds said private schools are held to “standards in place for public education.” And yet, last year, we witnessed Iowa legislative Republicans vote down a proposal to ensure private schools mandate the same employee background checks that are required of public schools.

The governor also promised, “In this first year, 10,000 vouchers will be offered.” Think about that. How much more of the public-school budget do the Republicans plan to take if there’s a second year of vouchers?

But the bottom line is simply this: Taking public tax dollars meant for our public schools to benefit a privileged few is simply wrong.

Iowa — where do you stand?

Lauren Tiffany

Iowa City