December 3, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT
Lisa Weil
720-217-6239
lisa@greateducation.org
Colorado Parents, Educators, and Advocates Urge Gov. Polis to Reject Trump’s Federal Voucher Plan That Drains Public School Funding
Advocates warn the program would divert millions from Colorado classrooms amid federal cuts to education and a state budget shortfall
DENVER — In an open letter and public petition delivered to the Capitol on Wednesday, over 570 community members and 15 organizations signed their names to deliver a powerful message to Governor Jared Polis: reject the federal voucher scheme included in Trump’s Reconciliation Bill, also known as the Educational Choice for Children Act.
In a campaign spearheaded by Great Education Colorado, statewide organizations such as Advocates for Public Education Policy, Colorado Education Association, Colorado PTA, and Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition (full list below) called on the governor to “act in support of Colorado’s voters, children, and our public schools by rejecting the federal school choice program.”
The groups denounced the program as a cynical attempt by special interests to profit off students while stripping public schools—urban and rural alike—of desperately needed resources. They also reminded the Governor of the constitutional requirement that every Colorado child have the right to a free, quality public education.
“We cannot stand by while policies weaken our public schools,” the letter states. “We have a moral responsibility to act now, ensuring every child has access to opportunity, equity, and a future built on justice.”
Colorado voters have made it clear they do not want vouchers. They have rejected school vouchers each of the three times they were presented on the ballot, including just last year when voters defeated Amendment 80. The verdict is clear: most parents and taxpayers support fully funded, well-resourced public schools.
The call to action arrives just days after the federal government announced plans to dismantle the Department of Education, gutting offices that protect civil rights, serve students with disabilities, and distribute Title I funds. Coupled with a new private school voucher tax credit, advocates warn the cuts could trigger teacher layoffs, reduce state education budgets, and limit access to vital programs for families across the country.
Colorado is also stuck in an alarming cycle of annual budget shortfalls of roughly $1 billion. While Governor Polis’ proposed budget for 2026-27 increases K-12 funding, some advocates warn that there’s a long road ahead and it’s too soon to say that K-12 will be protected.
Organizations or individuals wishing to add their voice urging Governor Polis to reject the federal tax credit voucher program may do so through this form or this petition. To date, the following organizations have signed the open letter: Advocates for Public Education Policy; Alliance to Reclaim Our Schools; Black Parent Network; Colorado Center on Law and Policy; Colorado Education Association; Colorado Fiscal Institute; Colorado PTA; Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition; Engage Jeffco; Great Education Colorado; Integrated Schools Denver Chapter; Jeffco PTA; Mi Familia Vota/Mi Familia En Acción; Movimiento Poder; The Bell Policy Center; Third Act Colorado.
