Poll shows Abbott on the wrong side of Texas parents, voters, and teachers with vouchers push

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A Texas Parent PAC poll of likely Texas voters released this week shows how Governor Greg Abbott is on the wrong side of Texas parents, teachers, and voters when it comes to vouchers and other public education issues. 

The poll found that 53% of Texas likely voters are against taxpayer-funded private school vouchers when hearing vouchers mean less money for their local public schools. Majorities of Texans also are concerned that charter schools take money from local public schools (76%) and that charter school teachers do not need to be certified to teach (80%). 

The poll revealed:

  • Only 41% of likely Texas voters rate charter schools favorably and 45% rate school vouchers favorably, compared to 58% favoring local public schools and 62% giving public school teachers a positive rating.
  • 82% of Texans say they know vouchers will increase their property taxes and take funds away from public school classrooms.
  • Almost all voters (above 90%) support hiring more teachers, increasing teacher salaries, and increasing funding for school supplies. Eight in 10 (80%) voters support offering teachers a retention stipend for all of their hard work over the last two years.

“The poll results are clear, and Texans don’t want to defund public neighborhood schools for another private voucher scheme or more charter school CEO jet joyrides,” said Texas AFT President Zeph Capo.

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