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Maine’s public schools are already underfunded, yet LD 220, which legislators will hear testimony on during a March 12 public hearing, proposes diverting critical resources to private schools and home-school programs through taxpayer-funded vouchers. This bill, dressed up as “hope and inclusion,” would undermine the very foundation of public education, our most essential public good.
Voucher programs like this have failed in other states, siphoning funds from public schools while benefiting only a select few. I believe Maine cannot afford to follow this path.
Our rural schools, already struggling to retain teachers and provide essential services, will be hit hardest. Public dollars should strengthen public education, not subsidize private institutions that are not held to the same accountability and inclusion standards.
Every Maine child deserves a well-funded, high-quality public education, regardless of their zip code or economic status. Instead of funneling money into private programs, our lawmakers should invest in the schools that serve all Maine children.
I urge legislators to reject LD 220 and stand up for Maine’s students, teachers, and communities.
Paige Loud
Old Town