Controversial ‘Voucher Amendment’ Faces Opposition in Kentucky

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Amendment Two, colloquially known as the ‘Voucher Amendment,’ is stirring up debate as it heads to the ballot this November. If passed, it would permit the allocation of public funds to private schools, a move met with opposition from various quarters.

Tuesday, the Protect Our Schools Kentucky campaign convened a press conference at Frederick Douglass High School, rallying support to vote against the proposed amendment. Tyler Murphy, Chairman of the Fayette County Public Schools Board, emphasized the potential detrimental effects on public education if Amendment 2 were to pass.

“Amendment 2, the voucher amendment, would be disastrous for public education in our commonwealth. It would erode this foundation of democracy by funneling public dollars to unaccountable public schools,” Murphy stated during the conference.

Joined by members of the FCPS board, teachers, and a student, the coalition voiced concerns about the impact on Kentucky’s already underfunded public schools. They argued that diverting public funds to private institutions would exacerbate existing challenges and undermine the accessibility and quality of education for all students.

Senator Donald Douglas, an advocate for the amendment, says if passed will bring more diversity and inclusion to Kentucky’s school system.

“While opponents of Amendment 2 are unwilling to consider how we can improve our educational system, states across the nation and in every direction have already shown us the positive benefits of educational freedom and parental choice,” Sen. Douglas said. “School choice has not come at the expense of public education, rather, a rising tide lifts all ships.”