Representative Gwen Moore (D-WI) will soon introduce the Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act, legislation that would repeal the federal private school voucher program included in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act–a measure that could divert over $50 billion in taxpayer funds to K-12 private and religious schools while lining the pockets of the ultra-wealthy.   

In the Public Interest is joining with other organizations and individuals in urging members of Congress to co-sponsor Representative Moore’s bill to show broad support for repeal when the bill is introduced.

Why This Matters

Public schools educate about 90 percent of America’s students and are accountable to families, communities, and taxpayers. Yet, increasing political efforts pushed by right-wing billionaires to redirect public funds to private schools threaten to:

• Drain resources from local public schools, leaving fewer dollars for students, teachers, and essential services, which can even result in public schools closing;
• Undermine academic achievement and non-discrimination protections, as private schools are not held to the same transparency, civil rights, academic quality, fiscal soundness, or reporting standards, oversight, and accountability as public schools;
• Limit access and equity, as private schools are not required to serve all students and draw funding away from public schools that serve all students regardless of their background. 

The private school voucher program included in OBBBA is estimated to cost as much as $50 billion a year, taxpayer dollars that would be far better invested directly in federal formula programs like IDEA and Title I that support our public schools. 

Take Action Now

Lawmakers need to hear directly from you.

Contact your Member of Congress to:

• Educate them on the harmful effects of vouchers for public school students;
• Affirm their support for public schools;
• Oppose any efforts to expand vouchers or divert public funds to private school vouchers;
• Urge them to co-sponsor the Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act.

The letter-writing action form found here will allow you to generate a letter directly to your member of Congress urging them to cosponsor the bill. If you are a member of an organization, please pass this along to your members.