May 22, 2014

 

The Florida Parent Teacher Association (PTA), the largest statewide volunteer association, with over 300,000 members, working exclusively on behalf of children and youth, asks Governor Scott to Veto SB 850, the Voucher Expansion Bill.

 

SB 850 expands the corporate tax credit scholarship program and diverts dollars away from public schools, which 90% of Florida's school-age children attend, for private and religious schools while exempting them from the same accountability and standards placed on our public schools, school districts, and public school students.  Private voucher schools are exempt from high-stakes testing, school grades, teacher accountability, hiring certified teachers, and following state curriculum standards. 

 

Late maneuvering during the last hours of the Legislative Session attached lengthy amendments to SB 850 from another bill regarding the Tax Credit Scholarship Program and students with disabilities, which had not passed the Senate floor.  Additionally, the House bill with similar provisions did not receive enough votes in the Senate to be taken up from Messages the prior day.

 

In 2012, voters in Florida overwhelmingly rejected the so-called "Religious Freedom" Amendment, which would have opened the door to allocate taxpayer dollars to private/parochial schools.  Florida's voters "chose" to adhere to our state's constitution regarding the separation of church and state.

 

In addition to the concerns of an equal education for all children and the reduction of funds critically needed in our public schools, it was reported last month that Florida law for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs does not apply to voucher schools.  This means that English Language Learners (ELL's) in voucher schools are not guaranteed by law the wide range of benefits and services they are entitled to only in traditional public schools.

 

The lack of accountability in private schools, and the absence of reports on their content area achievement, is troubling for parents.  Parents lack objective data with which to compare voucher schools with each other and with traditional public schools.

 

The public has spoken and has "chosen" to support public education, yet our legislative majority chooses to not listen. 

 

By vetoing SB 850, Governor Scott will show the public that he is committed to making public education a top priority.  Our children, and their future, are counting on Governor Scott to do the right thing.

 

Florida PTA has been advocating for all children for 91 years, since receiving its charter from National PTA on April 14, 1923. Florida PTA continues to "empower all" on the importance of advocating for all children.   Why PTA? Because our children matter!

 

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