A consequence of universal vouchers: Most private schools will solicit every dime that can be extracted from taxpayers.
Fundraising from private sources is typically taxing; however, state officials have made tax funding effortless. Tax-funded student transportation to private schools, auxiliary services, and administrative cost reimbursement have been available to private schools for decades. More recently, universal vouchers have been made available; hence, the only pitch private school officials have to make to constituents and others is “everyone is eligible—sign up.” The video is a sample sales pitch.
Will everyone who signs up for vouchers accurately report their income? Will the state verify the income of voucher recipients? Will private schools alter their own scholarship plans and their tuition rates? Will the universal voucher scheme merely replace private school fundraising strategies?
As a taxpayer and Christian, I believe that I am personally responsible for supporting the mission of the church on a free-will basis. I will not ask the government or anyone else to support my faith. I resent my tax money being allocated to support any religious institution. An indispensable lesson from world history is that separation of church and state is effectual for both church and state.
The first amendment states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion; or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” “Prohibiting the free exercise of religion” does not entitle any religious institution to the key of the public treasury.
Learn about EdChoice Vouchers: An Existential Threat to Public Schools
VOUCHERS HURT OHIO