Letter to the editor: Nelson's college voucher program bad idea

I find Republican Rep. Eric Nelson’s proposed college voucher program ill conceived and rife with omissions (“Hempfield lawmaker’s bill targets Pitt, Penn State funding,” June 2, TribLIVE). It would take money away from Pennsylvania’s public universities and give it to parents for any postsecondary education or any other qualified education expenses. In my opinion, this program is ripe for fraud and abuse with little oversight or accountability. It will squeeze public education for private gain.

Nelson is a bit disingenuous when he states that tuition will be reduced. He knows if Pitt, Penn State and Temple lose their funding, they will need to raise tuition. This will move in-state students in the wrong direction. In these times, we need a better-educated workforce, not a less-prepared one. We should be enhancing public education, not diminishing it.

Voucher programs are a dagger in the heart of public education, which has been a pillar of our economic growth. Do not let them destroy our public education for private gain. Ask your representative to vote against this bill.

Sandy Kremer

Youngwood