School Vouchers: A Pivotal Issue in Governor’s Races

School vouchers and private-school subsidy programs are emerging as a significant concern in several governor’s races this year. Democrats are hopeful that issues related to public school funding could sway suburban and rural voters in their favor. This debate is gaining prominence in five states: Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Ohio, and Texas, where candidates are contesting over programs channeling public funds to private education.

Public schools are on low monetary reserves but at the exact same time, tons of parents are trying to get tax money through vouchers to pay for private schools instead, Karen Aronian, education and parenting expert at Aronian Education Design, told Newsweek. Karen highlighted the significant role of this debate for student families in the upcoming election.

Why It Matters

School-choice programs have rapidly expanded in recent years, particularly in states governed by Republicans, with the adoption of universal or near-universal voucher and education savings account (ESA) programs. Critics express concerns about the diversion of funds from public schools, but supporters argue that parents should be free to allocate education funding to schools best suited for their children’s needs. As elections approach, this issue could significantly impact competitive governor races.

States Where School Vouchers Are a Major Election Issue

Arizona

Democrats aim to defend the governor’s office as Republicans back one of the nation’s most expansive voucher programs. Governor Democrat Katie Hobbs faces Republican Representative Andy Biggs. The state’s Empowerment Scholarship Account program offers universal eligibility, enrolling more than 99,000 students as of January.

Concerns about the program focus on its potential reduction of resources from public schools. While private school vouchers have a legitimate place in American public education, it must not come at the expense of the quality and opportunities for students in public school systems, said William Hall, professor at Webster University.

Florida

Florida operates one of the largest universal school-choice systems. Democratic candidates have criticized its impact on public-school funding. Republican Representative Byron Donalds supports Florida’s expansive school-choice system, whereas his Democratic gubernatorial opponent, former Representative David Jolly, campaigns for improving public education and addressing affordability concerns.

Republican Governor Ron DeSantis emphasized the state’s participation in the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit, stating that Florida families have access to the nation’s top-ranked and largest school choice program.

Iowa

In Iowa, school vouchers are a central issue in the open governor’s race. Democratic state auditor Rob Sand competes against Republican Zach Lahn after the Students First Act expanded Education Savings Accounts statewide. This law introduced a phased universal ESA program, allocating $7,773 per student.

Republican Governor Kim Reynolds emphasized Iowa’s commitment to providing families with diverse educational options, from K-12 public schools to accredited private schools and homeschooling.

Ohio

Voucher programs continue to grow in Ohio, remaining a campaign priority between Democrat Amy Acton and former Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy. The issue of school vouchers is actually determined in state chambers and in the Governor’s mansion, stated Caroline Welles, executive director of The First Ask.

Welles pointed out that voters frequently reject vouchers, prompting proponents to advocate through legislatures instead of public ballots.

Texas

Texas established its Education Freedom Act, creating a universal ESA program valued at $10,800 per student. Democrats are focusing their campaign against this program. Governor Greg Abbott hailed the act, stating, Gone are the days that families are limited to only the schools assigned by government.

Gubernatorial candidate Gina Hinojosa, a Democratic state representative, criticized the use of funds in the program. She emphasized the insufficiency of funds directed to classrooms, underlining the financial challenges faced by schools.

Which States Have the Biggest Funding Gaps?

Data on states with significant funding gaps between voucher and public school programs is limited. However, Texas, Utah, Iowa, and Florida have been noted for having considerable voucher funding available.

• Texas: Universal ESA program offering $10,800 per student for private school tuition and homeschool expenses.
• Utah: Scholarship program providing $8,000 per student for private school tuition.
• Iowa: Phased universal ESA program with $7,773 per student.
• Florida: Universal school choice through Family Empowerment Scholarships for all K-12 students.

Lisa Lightner, a special education advocate, expressed concerns over current voucher presentations, arguing they primarily benefit high-income individuals who already enroll their children in private schools.

What Happens Next

As governor’s races intensify, education funding and school-choice programs will likely remain key issues leading to Election Day on November 3. In pivotal races in Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Ohio, and Texas, Democrats contend that voucher programs siphon resources from public schools. Meanwhile, Republicans advocate them as means to enhance parental choice. The election outcomes may determine whether voucher programs will expand or face stricter oversight in the future.