Help Fight for Our Public Schools and Say No to Vouchers
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Hello, Houston! As a concerned Texas parent, and Houstonian, I'm asking for your help in opposing HB3, a bill that would divert our tax dollars to private schools through vouchers/ESAs. This legislation harms Texas public schools and doesn't reflect what most Texans want. Just look at the thousands of comments on the governor's social media pages opposing it. Our public schools deserve better funding and support. Last session, the House has successfully blocked vouchers (84-63), but now, with billionaire donors Tim Dunn, Farris Wilks, and Jeff Yass pushing to defund public education, our Governor has made vouchers a top "emergency" priority. In August, Jeff Yass said, “As students flee [to schools of their choice], those government schools would have to shut down…and that's a good thing…”. Abbott recently received 6 million from Jeff Yass a few months ago. Yass has investments in education companies. It's also interesting that Gov Abbott's wife was listed as on the board of a private school that costs $22,000/year in tuition though in the last few days she was moved on the website from being listed on the Board to now being an Advisor. Vouchers were first proposed in 1957 following Brown v Board of Education with the intention of preventing white children from integrating with people of color. Since that time, vouchers have been proposed off and on and consistently rejected by the House. HB3 was filed 2 weeks ago and is set to be heard in the public education committee on March 11, which is open for public testimony. Here’s the deal:
Rep. Cunningham (District 127) serves on the House Public Education Committee, voted for vouchers last session, and is a co-author of HB3. Meanwhile, our governor has received millions from billionaires backing school vouchers and has been pressuring legislators to pass them. In response, Abbott has funneled money into efforts to unseat anti-voucher representatives and replace them with pro-voucher candidates. The 5.5 million Texas kids that attend public schools need your help to stop this. Any Texan can reach out but especially if you're a voter in the NE Houston/Kingwood/Humble/Atascocita/Spring District 127 area, please call or email Rep. Cunningham to ask him to vote "NO" on HB3. Also, please tell your friends and family to do the same. Since he is on the committee, he represents public education for all Texans. You can even call after 5pm and leave a message. Here’s what we’re asking her to fight for instead:
If you’re willing to help, here’s how to contact Rep. Cunningham: Email: [charles.cunningham@house.texas.gov](mailto:charles.cunningham@house.texas.gov) Phone: 512-463-0520 Tips: If you call after 5pm, leave a message and include your zip code. Staffers take a daily tally of how many people call or write them about an issue so the goal here is to hear from as many voters as possible. Remember, they were elected to represent our voice. Also check out the following websites: https://dontdefundmyschool.com https://www.vouchersarenotconservative.com/ Sample Script [consider including a personal story of how the bill will effect you]: My name is ____ and I live in zip code ____. I ask that you vote no to HB3, SB2, or any voucher/ESA bill and instead prioritize fully funding public schools first by enrollment rather than attendance, increase the basic allottment by $1300 to catch up with inflation, and support strong teacher and staff pay raises. This bill allows people making above $160,000 to apply such that the richest families may benefit. Our tax dollars should support all students, not just a select few. Please prioritize strong public schools for all Texas children. Thank you for your time. Please also consider contacting the House Public Education Committee Members before March 11:
submitted by /u/3littlebirds1212 |
