As a concerned Georgian deeply invested in the future of our public education, I am compelled to take a stand against the reallocation of our precious public funds away from public schools. Our children deserve the best educational opportunities available, and The Georgia Promise Scholarship Act poses a direct threat to this imperative. This petition calls on the Georgia General Assembly to uphold Georgia’s constitutional responsibility and conduct a transparent public hearing on House Bill 436. This referendum bill will allow constituents to vote yes or no as to their position as taxpayers. 

Under Article VIII of the Georgia Constitution, the provision of public education is a fundamental obligation of the state. The constitution mandates that education must be funded as a primary responsibility, and any legislative measure that diverts public dollars from public schools needs rigorous public scrutiny. The Georgia Scholarship ACT, as passed, aims to reallocate taxpayer funds, and we firmly believe this requires thorough examination and debate.

It is imperative that elected officials listen to the voices of constituents and education experts to fully understand the potential implications of the Georgia Promise Scholarship Act. By holding a public hearing, the General Assembly can ensure that decisions affecting our children and community are made transparently, with all stakeholders having an opportunity to participate and express their concerns. 

Moreover, public schools are the backbone of our communities, nurturing not only academic growth but also fostering social development and fairness. If the Georgia Promise Scholarship ACT proceeds without appropriate oversight, we risk compromising the educational standards and equitable access that every Georgian child is entitled to.

By signing this petition, you advocate for accountability in our state's legislative process and champion the cause of public education. Join us in urging the Georgia General Assembly to protect the future of every child in our state by holding a public hearing on Substitute House Bill 436. Let us ensure that public dollars are used responsibly to uphold our shared educational values.

Key Concerns

• Selective Access, Not Real Choice: Private schools receiving vouchers may reject students based on disability, academic ability, religion, or family status. In many rural areas, there are no private options at all.
• Unaffordable for Most Families: Voucher amounts rarely cover full tuition. Research shows that about 70% of voucher recipients already attended private schools, meaning public funds subsidize those already able to pay.
• No Academic Benefit: Studies of voucher programs in states like Louisiana, Indiana, Ohio, and cities including Washington, D.C., show no academic improvement and often worse outcomes than public schools.
• Lack of Accountability: Voucher schools are not required to meet accreditation standards, employ qualified teachers, or report academic results, increasing the risk of waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars.
• Loss of Student Rights: Voucher schools are not required to follow federal civil rights laws, IDEA, or the ADA. Students with disabilities could lose their right to a free appropriate public education or be denied admission entirely.
• Harm to Rural Communities: Public schools are often the backbone of rural communities. Even small funding losses can destabilize schools and local economies, with no private alternatives available.
  
  

Our Call to Action We urge the General Assembly to:

1. Hold a public hearing on Substitute House Bill 436
2. Fully fund QBE before expanding vouchers
3. Apply equal accountability to all schools receiving public dollars
4. Protect students’ civil and disability rights
5. Safeguard rural and high-poverty districts

Public education is not a commodity. It is a public trust. Georgia must choose responsibility, fairness, and its constitutional promise.

Please sign this petition to demand accountability and a public hearing on Substitute House Bill 436.