Posted: July 05, 2009
re: School vouchers flunk test, July 1, 2009
The recent study by Northwestern University professor David Figlio helps to affirm my longstanding opposition to our Corporate Tax Credit voucher program. And while I understand his study is a mere snapshot, it still contradicts the many claims made by voucher advocates.
As I regularly explain to the decent and passionate people on both side of this debate, I have been unable to support this legislation and program for three reasons, all of which your editorial addressed. Until we are honoring our constitutional mandate to fully fund public education, until the testing and accountability is consistent with our public schools, and until no public dollars are being used to teach religion, I will continue to stand alone and apart from my Pinellas colleagues in opposing vouchers.
Finally, while this issue has been polarizing among Tallahassee lawmakers, it’s important to acknowledge the shared goal of all involved. We want the best education for our children, and in doing so, we will produce a more talented workforce for our state. Thoughtful debate over our education system, including vouchers, should occur and impartial studies should be respected; however, until the reasons above are addressed, I will continue to oppose vouchers in Florida.
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