On Nov. 5, every state will participate in the national presidential election. Then, of course, everywhere has its expected down-ballot and local elections.
Kentuckians also have two additional choices to make.
The state legislature voted to propose two constitutional amendments this November. The first amendment prevents non-citizens from voting in Kentucky elections, something that is already state law.
Non-citizen voting has become an issue across the nation, however, and lawmakers want to make the law part of the state’s constitution to prevent any changes by local governments or the courts.
The second proposed amendment is destined to draw more attention because it could have an impact on school funding and would allow state funding to go to private schools.
Republican lawmakers such as State Sen. Max Wise say the current language in the state constitution is antiquated and keeps the state from enacting new laws the legislature has approved.
“Kentucky has previously enacted measures such as public charter school legislation and scholarship tax credits, but the courts have struck them down due to outdated language in our state constitution,” Wise said.
To remedy the “language” issue, a bill was introduced this January and approved by the General Assembly in March. The bill proposed a constitutional amendment that would alter the constitutional language in a way that allows state funding to support private schools.
The core pro-Amendment 2 argument is similar to arguments for other privatization efforts: private entities, through free market competition, are simply better at meeting consumer needs. A private school can cater directly to certain demographics—students with disabilities, for example, who struggle in the public education environment that must work for everyone.
“A ‘Yes’ vote on Amendment 2 is a vote in favor of educational freedom, parental choice, and overall strengthening of the education we provide our students,” Sen. Wise said.
Amendment 2 supporters also say that Kentucky is unique in that most other states, especially those surrounding us, provide some support for private schools, whereas Kentucky currently does not.
In Florida, for instance, parents can be given a voucher worth roughly $8,500 to pay tuition at a private school funded by taxes similar to public school.
But opponents of Amendment 2 say to look at the affects these programs have on public education in these states.
Jeffery Humble, a Democratic challenger to State Rep. Amy Neighbors in the 21st House district, is vehemently against the bill.
“I’m 100 percent against this amendment because I believe it will harm our public education system… This is a bad idea that other states have already tried—look at how it’s working out for Arizona…
“It’s common sense: If we’re already struggling to pay teachers what they’re worth, what can we expect if we take these already cash-strapped budgets and divert those funds to private schools? You’ll be left with even less money to pay teachers than we already have. You’ll see teaching positions get cut and classroom sizes will increase.”
Critics also point out the lack of “guardrails” in the amendment’s language. There are no limitations as to what kind of education state money can be used for.
While, in practice, those details would be part of any law passed to create voucher programs may, the amendment simply says “outside” of common schools.
Jason Bailey, executive director of the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, argues that theoretically a for-profit school could be paid for with taxpayer-funds.
The text of the amendment that voters will read on their ballots this November states:
“The General Assembly may provide financial support for the education of students outside the system of common schools. The General Assembly may exercise this authority by law, Sections 59, 60, 171, 183, 184, 186, and 189 of this Constitution not withstanding.”
Proposed amendments must receive three-fifths of the vote by the House and Senate to be added to the ballot. Amendments then are passed by majority vote.
By Kenley Godby
kenley@adairvoice.com
