Representative's Comments on Amendment 2 Spark Debate Over Public School Funding | News

PADUCAH — One issue Kentucky voters will face on Election Day is Amendment 2. The measure, if passed, would allow public money to fund private schools. A local representative's comments on Amendment 2 have raised questions about its financial implications.

On Wednesday, WPSD-TV received more details about what the change might look like.

Recent comments to a local private school board put state representative Randy Bridges in the spotlight.

What prompted Bridges' recent debate comments before the board of Community Christian Academy of McCracken County? A Western Kentucky University Public Radio article said a summary of the topics discussed was sent to parents. During the discussion, Bridges explained that if passed, private schools could potentially receive direct government funding for tuition — essentially a school voucher system.

He said school vouchers were never discussed, but a system that was discussed would allow Support Education Excellence in Kentucky (SEEK) to funnel funds to private schools.

“SEEK funding accompanies the child when the schools have cooperation agreements between schools and between public schools. So if someone goes to Ballard and they want to go to McCracken, the SEEK funding will follow them,” said Rep. Randy Bridges.

SEEK Funding provides state funding to local school districts. Bridges said although several options were discussed, nothing was set in stone; and if Amendment 2 is adopted, they will have to carry out a tax impact study.

“We need to do a fiscal impact study. If it turns out that we will form the state, we will not do it. I can tell you we won't do it. We can't fight. We” “The Constitution requires us to have a balanced budget and we have so many things that are constitutionally required,” Bridges said.

Jason Bailey of the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy said no matter what representatives say, passage of Amendment 2 will mean public schools will get less money.

“The money has to come from public schools. And the reason our Founders enshrined in our Constitution the promise of public money going to public schools is because we can't afford to fund two school systems, right? Bailey said.

And the amendment may not help the elected representatives it is intended for.

“On average, around 70% of vouchers go to students who already attend private school, and that is a real godsend for families who are already paying for it themselves. Financially they tend to do a lot better,” Bailey said.

Bridges reiterated that the question of what Amendment 2 might look like is still pending and all options are being discussed. Bailey reiterated that Amendment 2 could be a way to bring back vouchers and that the money would have to come from somewhere, such as public schools.