We, the undersigned, stand firmly against school voucher programs and urge our elected officials to prioritize public education funding.
Vouchers divert resources away from public schools, further straining a system already suffering from chronic underfunding. This disproportionately harms students from low-income families and communities of color, exacerbating educational inequities.
We are deeply troubled by the influence of wealthy individuals like Jeff Yass, who use "dark money" to promote policies that weaken public schools and funnel tax dollars away from our children's education.
Governor Shapiro's proposed $1.1 billion investment in public schools is a far better path forward. This historic funding increase will:
Close the funding gap and ensure fairer resources for all schools.
Create a level playing field, providing quality education for every student regardless of background.
Invest in critical areas like special education, school infrastructure, and attracting qualified teachers.
Public schools are the cornerstone of a strong democracy. They empower all children, fostering a more just and equitable society.
We urge you to:
Reject school voucher schemes.
Support HB2370, which allocates critical funding to Pennsylvania's public school system.
Invest in our public schools, the foundation for a brighter future for all Pennsylvania children.
Respectfully submitted,
Rev. Dr. Gregory Edwards, Interim Executive Director, POWER Interfaith
Rev. Dr. Chris Kimmenez, Associate Pastor for Social Justice, The People’s Baptist Church (Philadelphia, PA)
Rev. Dr. Matthew Lenahan, Organizer, Zion Lutheran Church (Lancaster, PA)
Mr. Gary Sieling, House Church Shepherd, Renew Community (Ambler, PA)
Rev. Rebecca Stephens, St John’s UCC, Fullerton (Allentown, PA)
Rev. Carol Duncan, Deacon, St. Martin in the Fields Philadelphia (Philadelphia, PA)
Rev. Dwayne Mosier, Pastor, Ascension United Church of Christ (Jeffersonville, PA)
Rev. David Tatgenhorst, United Methodist (Philadelphia, PA)
Rev. Rachel Nolt, Akron Mennonite Church (Akron, PA)
Rev. Dr. Bonnie Bates, Conference Minister, Penn Northeast Conference UCC (Palmerton, PA)
Rev. Frances Chester, Pastor, Faulkner Swamp UCC (Gilbertsville, PA)
Pastor Angelique Chelton, Pilgrims Mennonite Church (Akron, PA)
Chris Downs, LCSW, Unitarian Society of Germantown (Philadelphia, PA)
Rev. Jennifer Mattson, Rector, St. Thomas Episcopal Church (Lancaster, PA
