2024 election results: Kentucky Amendment 2 fails

A controversial constitutional amendment that could dramatically reshape Kentucky's education landscape has failed, with 65% of voters voting against the measure.

The Associated Press called the defeat at 8:42 p.m

Amendment 2 asked voters whether they wanted to amend the state constitution to allow the legislature to spend tax dollars on non-public education. The defeat means state lawmakers will be unable to fund a “school choice” program like charter schools or school vouchers.

Kentucky Students First/Yes on 2 released a statement ahead of the AP call acknowledging that the amendment appeared to have been defeated on the ballot.

“Our coalition of parents, educators and concerned Kentuckians have fought hard to change the status quo protected by Kentucky’s special education interests,” the statement said. “While the results may not have been in our favor, this campaign has been a powerful force in challenging Kentucky’s education bureaucracy. Perpetuating the poor performance of Kentucky’s education system is a disservice to our children and our Commonwealth. Kentucky students deserve better, and our commitment to prioritizing students over systems remains unchanged.”

At an election night party organized by opponents of the change, Ed Campbell, president of the Kentucky Education Association, said “this victory” is important for educators and students.

“Kentuckians have made it clear that investing in our public education is non-negotiable,” Campbell said. “An investment in our local public schools is an investment in the future of our great Commonwealth. Our public schools, our coalition, have come together, just as our public schools do in every single community across the Commonwealth.”

Maddie Shepard, president of the Jefferson County Teachers Association, said she was proud of all the community members and teachers who worked on the campaign against the change.

“We're really excited about the future, and what we heard loud and clear tonight is that Kentucky not only believes in public schools, but that we need to invest in legislation as early as this session,” she said.

Gov. Andy Beshear posted a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, thanking Kentucky for “protecting public schools.” …Now let's keep fighting for our children, our teachers and the future of Kentucky.

What you should know about Kentucky's Amendment 2

Proponents argued that passing the amendment would create more opportunities and lead to better outcomes for students, regardless of their economic status. Opponents, meanwhile, argued that the change would hurt public schools, including by diverting money from them.

Both sides received high-profile support: Republican Sen. Rand Paul advocated for the change and Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear argued against it.

The General Assembly passed the amendment during this year's legislative session because the state constitution only allows taxpayer money to fund “common schools,” which Kentucky courts have interpreted as public schools.

Lawmakers have tried to pass “school choice” policies in the past, including a funding mechanism for charter schools and a tax credit scholarship program. But both bills were blocked by the courts.

If Amendment 2 receives a majority of votes, lawmakers could adopt a school choice program as early as the next session.

Reach reporter Hannah Pinski at @[email protected] or follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @hannahpinski.

2024 election results: Kentucky Amendment 2 fails

What you should know about Kentucky's Amendment 2

Similar Posts

Jelly Roll reveals he lost 100 pounds: diet and exercise secrets

There are still undefeated teams left in the NFL: Vikings and Chiefs enter the top matchups of week five with 4-0 records

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Archives

Categories