In the upcoming election, Kentucky voters will face more than just a choice between political candidates. We’ll also be asked to vote on a seemingly innocent proposal that claims to offer parents “more choices” in how their children are educated. Spoiler alert: this isn’t the feel-good, kid-friendly amendment they’re selling you. Voting No on Amendment 2 isn’t just about saving our public schools — it’s about saving our wallets and keeping our values of fairness and transparency intact.
The devil’s in the details
On the surface, it sounds simple and noble: give parents more educational opportunities by allowing state funds to follow students to schools “outside” the public school system. What could be wrong with that, right? Well, let’s break it down.
This amendment essentially cracks open the floodgates, allowing private and for-profit schools to siphon public funds away from public schools. And guess who gets to foot the bill for these new “choices?” That’s right, Kentucky taxpayers.
This amendment will allow lawmakers to divert public funds — your tax dollars — to private and parochial schools, with no guarantee that those dollars will be used to serve students equitably. This isn’t a scholarship fund. It’s not a grant program for those living in tight spots. It’s a cash-grab disguised as choice. And the only ones benefiting are the private institutions whose pockets will be lined with your hard-earned tax dollars. So much for the public accountability that Kentuckians demand.
The “Choice” Illusion
Let’s be clear: real choice means options that benefit everyone, not just a privileged few. This isn’t about empowering families; it’s about disempowering public schools by draining resources and leaving them to do more with less. You can slap a nice label on it, but we know what’s really happening here…