Resolution by the Webb County Democratic Party Reaffirming the Texas Democratic Party Platform Position Opposing Any Republican School Voucher Scheme —
WHEREAS the Texas Constitution states, in Article 8 – Section 1, that “A general diffusion of knowledge being essential to the preservation of the liberties and rights of the people”
WHEREAS since 1876, the Texas Constitution states, in Article 8 – Section 1 that “it shall be the duty of the Legislature of the State to establish and make suitable provision for the support and maintenance of an efficient system of public free schools.
WHEREAS since 1876, the Texas Constitution has, through Article 8 – Section 3, commanded the Texas Legislature to collect taxes from the public in order to fund free public education, textbooks, and maintaining public school buildings.
WHEREAS Texas schools rank in the bottom three states nationwide for per student funding.
WHEREAS because the Texas public school system’s funding is determined per enrolled pupil, and public school funding follows each individual student on their educational journey.
WHEREAS Texas schools need an additional $1000 per student just to keep up with annual inflation.
WHEREAS the funding deficit for Texas schools is so severe that even disregarding inflation, Texas would still be $3,000 below the national funding average in per student funding.
WHEREAS because funding is determined by enrolled students, a voucher system would directly reduce public school funding with each departing student.
WHEREAS special education students are the most underfunded population, with districts spending $2 billion more annually than the state allocates for this population despite the fact that Texas is under federal oversight for violating the rights of these students.
WHEREAS a special education voucher would hurt our most vulnerable students, as they would lose all of their federal rights and protections by attending a private school.
WHEREAS on Saturday, August 26, 2023, the Texas State Democratic Executive Committee unanimously took a stand in opposition to Greg Abbott and Ted Cruz’s private voucher scheme.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Executive Committee of the Webb County Democratic Party fiercely opposes any Republican school voucher scheme proposed in the Texas Legislature, during the 88th Legislature, and will take action against Republican voucher proposals.