FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — With just 40 days remaining until the November election, Amendment 2 has returned to the forefront of political discussions in Kentucky. This proposed amendment, which would allow public tax dollars to fund private schools, has ignited significant debate among lawmakers and education advocates. “This fall the fate of Kentucky education is on the…
FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — With just 40 days remaining until the November election, Amendment 2 has returned to the forefront of political discussions in Kentucky. This proposed amendment, which would allow public tax dollars to fund private schools, has ignited significant debate among lawmakers and education advocates.
“This fall the fate of Kentucky education is on the ballot, and I do not say that lightly,” said Colmon Elridge the Kentucky Democratic Party Chair.
On Wednesday, Lieutenant Governor Jacqueline Coleman, alongside representatives from the Kentucky Democratic Party, voiced their opposition to the amendment during a press conference at the state capitol. They raised concerns that the approval of Amendment 2 could impact public schools, diverting funding away from public education.
“”Because Amendment 2 runs completely counter to our values, the Governor and I are among many committed to defeating it this fall,” said Lt. Gov. Coleman.
As the election date draws nearer, the debate surrounding Amendment 2 intensifies. Opponents argue that Amendment 2 could undermine public education, already facing numerous challenges.
“I am not against private schools, but like many Kentuckians, all across the political spectrum, I believe we should not be funding these institutions at the expense of public schools, who already have limited funding to begin with,” said Cherlynn Stevenson, the House Democratic Caucus Chair.
Meanwhile, State Representative John Hodgson of District 36 expressed his support of Amendment 2, that it would benefit public schools.
“I think the very reverse, let’s say you got round numbers 100 kids, at a public school and 5 of them decide to leave to go to another school. Well, the vast majority of tax money that goes into a public school comes from local property taxes, that would all still be there, probably the entire state allocation of seek funds would be there, but the school would have 5 less students to spend it on,” said representative Hodgson.
Voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on this issue when they cast their ballots in November.