Public dollars should fund public schools

Iowans value strong public schools, and we recognize the hard work educators put in to ensure that our students are successful. Over the past two years, education professionals have worked through the pandemic, sustained partisan political attacks and budget cuts due to a lack of state funding. Educators often pay out of pocket for school supplies and protective equipment. Now, once again, Gov. Kim Reynolds and many Republicans are pushing a plan to send public school dollars to private schools.

A Des Moines Register/Mediacom poll found that a majority of Iowans oppose tax dollars for private school vouchers. There are 76,000 students who live in 40 Iowa counties with no private school option. Who is this voucher bill really for?

It is time that Reynolds and Republicans who support this bill invest in our public schools and the education of all of our children. Public schools, particularly in rural areas, shouldn’t have to pay a steep price for this political agenda. We are grateful for the Democratic and Republican legislators for standing against this harmful and unpopular bill.

Iowans want strong public schools and strong communities. Please let your legislator know that public dollars belong in public schools.

Helane Golden

Cedar Rapids