“Among its ‘free market’ strategies, ALEC devises legislation designed to shortchange public schools and transition support to private, for-profit education.
“One such pursuit in the last legislative session created corporate tax breaks for private school scholarships. Ultraconservatives now want to expand the program.
“The tax breaks serve to accomplish the same thing as school vouchers, which raise legitimate questions over the constitutionality of using taxpayer funds for private and parochial schools that aren’t subject to the same accountability as public schools.
“Offering tax credits is a sly way to divert dollars that otherwise would go to state-funded programs.
“Instead of fixating on privatization — such reform efforts have failed miserably in other states — Kansas lawmakers should address current K-12 funding woes…
“Parents and others who value education should tell their lawmakers to reject such nonsense in a state with a long, proud tradition of good K-12 teachers and schools.
“Voters in this year’s elections also need to remove blind ALEC followers from the Legislature, and support candidates who understand the state should support, not hinder, public education’s vital mission.”