John —

Earlier this week, Iowa Senate Republicans approved a bill that will siphon money away from public schools to fund a handful of private school vouchers.

Let me be clear: there is nothing wrong with private schools, and here in Iowa, we already have school choice through open enrollment.

Frankly, the idea that we would take away public money from public education and hand it over to private schools, which are not required to accept all students is deeply out of touch. It would be like using taxpayer dollars to pave a road the public can't drive on or to build a private pool that the public can't swim in.

That’s why I’m asking you today to add your name to our petition and show that you stand with Iowa teachers, students, and parents in opposing private school vouchers.

Our students are our best resources. Not “some” Iowa students — all Iowa students. That's why we invest in public education, and that’s why we cannot give taxpayer dollars to private schools that only serve the lucky few who meet the criteria for private schools and leave others behind.

We believe in every student, in every community, and the local leadership, democratically elected, not privately appointed, who work together across our state to educate them. If you’re with us, I hope you will sign our petition right away.

Thank you,
Zach Wahls