Thread by @StephenGBPI

Problems with Senate Bill 233: A 🧵

First, let's talk dollars. The voucher provides $6,000 per student while Georgia general education public high school students only get $4,365. This voucher acts to prioritize discriminatory private schools over Georgia public schools. #GaPol

Next, we know that vouchers take money away that's desperately needed to maintain and improve public schools. Georgia does not provide any funding to educate students in poverty, no money for wifi or security either. Districts just have to ✨find✨ that money somewhere.

So what's the true cost of this bill? We don't know--the author didn't get a fiscal note. How will schools deal with the rising health care costs for bus drivers/parapros/etc (that the state does not pay) while millions are diverted to private schools?

Next, student safety. Did you know that private schools can refuse services for students with disabilities? Or use discipline practices that put these children in danger? What about the fact that the teachers at the private schools don't even have to have a bachelors degree?

If SB 233 was about parent empowerment why don't we ask for protections for these kids? We could demand that participating schools accept all students regardless of disability, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation and language proficiency. This bill does none of these.

Finally, Georgia's constitution states that "no money shall ever be taken from the public treasury, directly or indirectly, in aid of any church, sect, cult, or religious denomination or of any sectarian institution." That's exactly what this bill does

I know it's trendy to tear it down now but the separation of church and state is actually a good idea and worth protecting for both the church and the state. Public dollars need to remain in public schools, not propping up discriminatory private schools. END