Reject Voucher Schemes That Hurt Students

June 12, 2026 - 00:25

The Connecticut Education Association has joined a coalition of state education leaders in a direct appeal to Democratic governors across the country. The group is calling on them to oppose what it describes as a federal voucher scheme backed by former President Donald Trump. The coalition argues that such programs would drain critical funding from public schools and ultimately harm students, especially those in low-income communities.

In a joint letter, the leaders warned that diverting taxpayer money to private and religious schools through vouchers would undermine the public education system. They said the plan prioritizes privatization over the needs of the majority of students who attend public schools. The coalition also stressed that voucher programs often lack accountability, allowing private institutions to avoid the same standards required of public schools, including special education services and civil rights protections.

The CEA and its partners are urging governors to stand firm against any federal push for vouchers, which they see as a threat to equitable education. They argue that instead of siphoning funds away, the focus should be on fully funding public schools, raising teacher pay, and reducing class sizes. The letter emphasizes that public schools serve every child regardless of background, and that weakening them would hurt communities for generations.