I maintain that vouchers are an example of ‘Taxation without Representation’. Simply, our public school tax dollars are subject to scrutiny by an elected school board. OUR school board. Private schools have no such guidance as to how they spend our taxes; no obligation to enroll disabled students and aren’t subject to audits. Also, unlike public schools, privates are able to contribute to election campaigns. Within a year of enactment, several privates went to our lawmakers for more funds. See the problem? They must make a profit but aren’t obligated to say where our tax dollars went.
Excellent article spelling out exactly why vouchers seriously short change Iowa’s once great public school education. How to start fixing this problem is to pass Rep. Quirmbach’s legislative proposal. Bravo on your clearly written article, REKHA. I’ll share it.
Thanks, Mary Helen. If a groundswell of people learn about it and put pressure on the Legislature, it might lead some lawmakers who felt compelled by Reynolds into supporting it (remember she had gotten some who didn't support vouchers primaried and they lost) to vote for Quirmbach's plan. Especially with Reynolds stepping down.
Such a clarifying and detailed explanation of Senator Quirmbach’s bill, Rekha. Thank you! Wouldn’t it be amazing if the Republicans looked at it, and debate ensued, with the goal being what is best for the people of Iowa? I am ever hopeful.
It seems as though the governor wants to treat everyone to another "free lunch". It sounds like her successor is going to have to deal with large budget deficits since she's timing her exit to coincide with the spending of the state's last financial reserves. Mr. Quirmbach's plan makes sense and requires actually setting priorities and making a choice--I hope it is considered by members of both parties.
Thank you so much for your clear explanation of the relationship between these 2 issues! I especially appreciate the figures on exactly how much vouchers are stealing from public ed students, especially special ed. Quincy’s solution sounds like one both parties could agree on!
A wonderful idea and very workable. Although some of my great grandchildren go to private school, I don’t know if the schoool vouchers are helpful to them or not. I certainly don’t want to harm them. Other greats gc are public students. And I became alarmed when the voucher program was put in place. Those greats seemed to be missing opportunities that they would have had. The voucher program was contested by me when it first became law so I did my own research based upon opportunities my childhood school did not have. A private school education was not an option. The closest ones were more than 30 miles from the small community they were in. Moreover, the private schools in proximity (30 miles away )were parochial schools that were not of the same teachings as some parents desired. These schools had consisted of a very low percentage of minorities and had less than 200 students in the whole school and only went from kindergarten thru 6th or 8th grade. Meanwhile, public schools in big cities seemed to be penalized by the voucher system, thus lowering staff, special needs, and all other students’ opportunities. I am excited for this to pass. I’m also a widowed homeowner who would be gratful for a small break in property taxes. A job wee done by Mr Quirmbach!
Thank you for this explanation of a well thought out plan by Senator Quirmbach. I share this with family members who are not of the same party as me - surely they will think it’s a good plan.
Good article on a good idea, but I fear that Iowa is now a place where ideas come to die. Maybe Quirmbach can get some traction with an intractable dominant party.
The Iowa Alliance for Choice in Education sent a Facebook post before the Iowa Legislature convened to rally their troops. The fact that 40 counties have no private schools certainly needs to be a wakeup for taxpayers in 40.counties. Lastly, to those who attended a private school and oppose vouchers, I suggest contacting your school to let them know your stance. You might even consider reducing or stopping donations as an alum. You will not get an alumni award but you will exemplify that education provided you the tools to think, analyze and respond.
I maintain that vouchers are an example of ‘Taxation without Representation’. Simply, our public school tax dollars are subject to scrutiny by an elected school board. OUR school board. Private schools have no such guidance as to how they spend our taxes; no obligation to enroll disabled students and aren’t subject to audits. Also, unlike public schools, privates are able to contribute to election campaigns. Within a year of enactment, several privates went to our lawmakers for more funds. See the problem? They must make a profit but aren’t obligated to say where our tax dollars went.
Excellent article and excellent proposal by Rep Quirmbach!
Thank you!
Excellent article spelling out exactly why vouchers seriously short change Iowa’s once great public school education. How to start fixing this problem is to pass Rep. Quirmbach’s legislative proposal. Bravo on your clearly written article, REKHA. I’ll share it.
Thanks, Mary Helen. If a groundswell of people learn about it and put pressure on the Legislature, it might lead some lawmakers who felt compelled by Reynolds into supporting it (remember she had gotten some who didn't support vouchers primaried and they lost) to vote for Quirmbach's plan. Especially with Reynolds stepping down.
Such a clarifying and detailed explanation of Senator Quirmbach’s bill, Rekha. Thank you! Wouldn’t it be amazing if the Republicans looked at it, and debate ensued, with the goal being what is best for the people of Iowa? I am ever hopeful.
Thanks, Virginia. We should all put pressure on them to at least debate it openly and try to defend vouchers!
It seems as though the governor wants to treat everyone to another "free lunch". It sounds like her successor is going to have to deal with large budget deficits since she's timing her exit to coincide with the spending of the state's last financial reserves. Mr. Quirmbach's plan makes sense and requires actually setting priorities and making a choice--I hope it is considered by members of both parties.
Perhaps she is privately expecting a Democrat will be the next governor and wishes to leave things in shambles for them.
Wow! Could be, Jim.
Thank you so much for your clear explanation of the relationship between these 2 issues! I especially appreciate the figures on exactly how much vouchers are stealing from public ed students, especially special ed. Quincy’s solution sounds like one both parties could agree on!
Thank you, Maribeth. Here's hoping...
A wonderful idea and very workable. Although some of my great grandchildren go to private school, I don’t know if the schoool vouchers are helpful to them or not. I certainly don’t want to harm them. Other greats gc are public students. And I became alarmed when the voucher program was put in place. Those greats seemed to be missing opportunities that they would have had. The voucher program was contested by me when it first became law so I did my own research based upon opportunities my childhood school did not have. A private school education was not an option. The closest ones were more than 30 miles from the small community they were in. Moreover, the private schools in proximity (30 miles away )were parochial schools that were not of the same teachings as some parents desired. These schools had consisted of a very low percentage of minorities and had less than 200 students in the whole school and only went from kindergarten thru 6th or 8th grade. Meanwhile, public schools in big cities seemed to be penalized by the voucher system, thus lowering staff, special needs, and all other students’ opportunities. I am excited for this to pass. I’m also a widowed homeowner who would be gratful for a small break in property taxes. A job wee done by Mr Quirmbach!
Thanks for sharing this first-hand perspective, Terri!
I think I rannout of room. Great job, Mr Quirmbach
Since the beginning, Kim Reynolds has consistently proven that she is Very Bad at this job.
Thank you for this information!!!
Thank you, Artis!
Excellent article. Thank you Rekha.
Thanks, Shawn.
Thank you for this explanation of a well thought out plan by Senator Quirmbach. I share this with family members who are not of the same party as me - surely they will think it’s a good plan.
Thanks, Denise. Here's hoping!
Good article on a good idea, but I fear that Iowa is now a place where ideas come to die. Maybe Quirmbach can get some traction with an intractable dominant party.
I sure hope so, Leland.
The Iowa Alliance for Choice in Education sent a Facebook post before the Iowa Legislature convened to rally their troops. The fact that 40 counties have no private schools certainly needs to be a wakeup for taxpayers in 40.counties. Lastly, to those who attended a private school and oppose vouchers, I suggest contacting your school to let them know your stance. You might even consider reducing or stopping donations as an alum. You will not get an alumni award but you will exemplify that education provided you the tools to think, analyze and respond.
Vouchers were a terrible idea and they need to be ended! Thank you for pointing this out!