Tell Your Legislators to Support Public School Safeguards

A new federal tax credit voucher program could allow taxpayer-supported funds to be redirected away from Rhode Island’s public schools and toward private education providers that are not held to the same public standards or accountability. Rhode Island’s public schools serve the vast majority of students and are required to educate every child who walks through their doors.

Research from across the country has consistently found that voucher programs do not improve student outcomes and can even harm academic achievement. At the same time, private schools receiving voucher-style funding are not required to meet the same transparency requirements or student protections that public schools must uphold for all students.

House Bill 7163 and Senate Bill 2139 would ensure that if Rhode Island opts in to this program, Ocean State lawmakers—and the public—have a voice before the state participates in the federal tax credit voucher program. These bills establish an important safeguard by requiring annual General Assembly approval and maintaining transparency and accountability for decisions that affect funding for public education.