SCHOOL CHOICE: No logical explanation

Once again the legislature is in session and pushing to provide public money for private schools. They can call it anything they want, but that is what it does. House Bill 93 easily passed this week with the support of nine of the 10 area House members. I will not be surprised when the local Senators vote to support it as well.

The real reason this and similar bills are being proposed around the country is MONEY. HB-93 will provide tax credits of up to $5,000 per qualifying student per year to families who choose not to send their children to a public school. There is no logical explanation for this to happen.

The people who will benefit the most from this are those who run the private schools and their support networks. In states where similar legislation has passed the private schools have raised their tuition, so it hasn’t provided any additional opportunities. Additionally, those schools have no accountability measures with regard to who they must admit, what academic standards to implement, what curriculum will be taught or what qualifications a teacher must have.

I understand that those who are supposed to represent me in District 3 and I don’t agree. Hopefully others who oppose this legislation will take the time to share their concerns. At this point it looks like the bill will pass and be sent to the governor for his signature. Let Governor Little know that you want him to veto this piece of…legislation.

RICK JONES

Rathdrum