PTA: Utah Wins Crucial Battle for Public Schools, Students

CHICAGO (November 7, 2007) – National PTA commends the hard work of the education community in Utah, who yesterday voted overwhelmingly to keep public funds for public schools. With more than 60 percent of the votes, Utahns rejected the universal school voucher law passed by the Utah Legislature in February. Though the voucher program was defeated handily, this victory for schools and students was not easily won.

The leadership and efforts of the Utah PTA, its members, allies and the will of the people of Utah are evidenced both by the voucher program having been defeated in every voting precinct and the extraordinarily high voter turnout in an off-election year. This historic victory for Utah is also important for the rest of our nation. The Utah universal voucher program would have set a precedent for states. In fact, other states had begun to draw plans to follow in the footsteps of the Utah Legislature had the program been enacted.

PTA strongly supports public funds for public schools and opposes using tax dollars to finance education vouchers for private and religious schools. Our public education system must be strengthened and supported by adequate funding and must continue to be governed by public officials who are accountable to the public.

Click here for a full report from the Associated Press on the story.