Democrat senators comment on passage of House Bill 1935

OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Carri Hicks and Sen. Jo Anna Dossett released the following statement regarding House Bill 1935 – a measure that uses taxpayer dollars to subsidize unregulated private schools.

“Struggling schools mirror struggling communities. The Oklahoma Legislature has ignored the urgent need to address the fact that 60% of Oklahoma’s children in our public schools live in poverty. Oklahoma ranks 42nd in children's health and 45th in education. The Republicans continue to expand vouchers at an alarming rate, which promotes competition by excluding students with higher needs and leaves behind our most vulnerable. Approximately 90% of Oklahoma families choose their local public schools. Public funding belongs in public schools.” Sen. Carri Hicks, D-Oklahoma City

“House Bill 1935 allows a family with an annual income of $250,000 to access a $7,500 voucher for each of their children to attend private school.  This is not a win for working Oklahomans and their children.  It’s the latest in a series of attempts to send public dollars into private hands with no accountability for their use.” Sen. Jo Anna Dossett, D-Tulsa

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For more information, contact:  

Sen. Hicks: (405) 521-5543 or Carri.Hicks@oksenate.gov

Sen. Dossett: (405) 521-5624 or JoAnna.Dossett@oksenate.gov