The Texas State Teachers Association voiced strong opposition to Sen. Dan Patrick’s so-called “choice” agenda and said Texas taxpayers should not be fooled by the senator’s effort to disguise the bill as something other than an attempt to divert tax dollars from public schools to private schools. “It doesn’t matter what Senator Patrick calls it, his bill offers no choice at all for most Texas families,” said TSTA President Rita Haecker. “He can call it vouchers or choice or tax credits, but any scheme that diverts state tax dollars to private schools will cost taxpayers money while undermining our public schools,” Haecker added. Although Sen. Patrick calls the legislation a school “choice” bill, the measure would offer nothing to the vast majority of Texas students and their families. That’s because the vast majority of Texas children will continue to be educated in traditional public schools, and that is where our state tax dollars need to be spent. And, most middle- and low-income families still will be unable to afford tuition at many private schools. Tax dollars that are needed to restore public education cuts should not be used to support private schools. “As Senate Education Committee chairman, Sen. Patrick should be making plans to restore the $5.4 billion he voted to cut from public education last session instead of promoting a scheme to enrich private school owners,” Haecker observed.  Public schools take all children, regardless of needs, special circumstances or family income. Private schools can “cherry pick” the best students, while refusing to accept children with special needs or those still learning to speak English. Public schools must account for how they spend tax dollars. Private schools do not. Research compiled by the National Education Association has found no evidence that voucher programs have improved overall educational results in other states. “The Patrick-Dewhurst proposal is nothing more than another cut to public education. Private schools are not accountable and do no better educating our children,” Haecker concluded.