The following statement is from Brianna Brown, Co-Executive Director of Texas Organizing Project (TOP), in response to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signing into law SB2, school voucher legislation that would divert public funds away from public schools:
“Greg Abbott’s school voucher scam isn’t about improving student outcomes; it’s about lining the pockets of his campaign donors and dismantling public education in our state.
“Abbott’s billionaire buddy Jeff Yass bankrolled this legislative scheme at the expense of Texas kids, parents, and teachers.
“Speaking as a mother who sends her kids to public schools, SB2’s passage once more proves our governor will always carry water for his wealthy backers before ever passing meaningful policy to benefit working Texans families.
“Are we surprised? Of course not. Are we infuriated? Absolutely.
“Texas taxpayer dollars should go to PUBLIC schools and institutions – NOT private and parochial schools.”
Dr. Doshie Piper, TOP Board Co-President, added:
“Abbott couldn’t care less about the unpopularity of his school voucher scam. His crusade for years, our governor spent millions bullying Texas GOP legislators into submission to pass it.
“Under the guise of ‘school choice’ – which Texas already has – Abbott pushed vouchers like a snake oil salesman, casting them as a magic elixir to help students and families.
“In reality, he sold the public a slick, right-wing think-tank repackaging of what school vouchers were proposed decades ago for – to perpetuate racial and economic segregation in our schools.
“Working with pro-public education allies, TOP stands ready to make sure Abbott and lawmakers who supported his scam hear from us at the ballot box and feel the political consequences of their cowardice.”
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About Texas Organizing Project:
TOP organizes Black and Latino communities in Dallas, Harris, Bexar, and Fort Bend counties with the goal of transforming Texas into a state where working people of color have the power and representation they deserve. For more information, visit organizetexas.org.