Protesters Demand Increased Support for Public Education
AUSTIN, Texans Rally— More than 1,100 Texans gathered in Austin to demand increased funding for public schools in a protest organized by Save Texas Schools. The rally brought together educators, school officials, and parents, all calling for better financial support to ensure a quality education for students across the state.
Participants expressed concerns about the state’s allocation of education funds, with many arguing that public schools are not receiving the necessary resources to provide quality education. Katy Fulkerson, a consultant in a local school district, stressed the need for advocacy on behalf of children.
“We need to have a voice for our children. They don’t know what’s going on. We are that voice to make a difference for them,” Fulkerson stated.
Parents and children from the Austin area joined the demonstration, raising concerns about the future of public education. Many voiced opposition to the proposed school choice voucher bill, fearing it would take funding away from public schools.
Concerns Over the School Voucher Plan
Sarah Fiorenza, a parent with close ties to the Austin Independent School District, expressed her apprehensions about the bill’s impact on her child’s education.
“It just feels like we’re taking money from the schools where we need this. From public schools,” Fiorenza said.
The protest began at the First United Methodist Church on Lavaca Street and culminated on the steps of the Texans Rally Capitol. Austin Weeks, Director of Save Texas Schools, criticized the state government’s focus on school vouchers and privatization, arguing that the real issue was the reduction of public school funding.
“Greg Abbott has made the story all about vouchers and privatization and what they call school choice. The real story is the robbery of school funding,” Weeks stated, claiming that Texas public schools have lost $10 billion in funding since 2019.
Governor Abbott Defends Education Policy
Despite the criticism, Governor Greg Abbott defended his administration’s stance on education funding. He assured the public that Senate Bill 2 and school vouchers would not negatively impact public school funding. According to Abbott, funds allocated for school choice and public education come from separate budgets.
“The argument being made by those against school choice would be the same as, when you’re taking money to build roads, you’re taking away money for public schools. When you’re taking money to build power, you’re taking away money for public schools. That’s completely false,” Abbott stated.
The debate over school funding, Texans Rally to intensify as education advocates push for more financial support for public schools, while state officials emphasize the benefits of school choice. The protest highlighted the deep divisions over Texas’ education policies, with thousands calling for a reevaluation of how the state distributes funds for public education.
