Federal Update: Public Education Supporters Urge Senator Wicker to Remove Vouchers from HR 1

MPE Executive Director Kelly Riley joined approximately 45 other Mississippians – educators, business leaders, parents, school board members – in a virtual meeting Tuesday, June 24, 2025, with two of Senator Roger Wicker’s staff members. The group expressed concerns related to the tax-credit vouchers contained in the budget reconciliation bill (HR 1) being considered by the Senate. As MPE has shared previously, the bill includes a $20 billion voucher program that will send public funds to private and religious schools.

Riley explained to Senator Wicker’s staff that more than 80% of our MPE members have expressed their opposition to vouchers in our two most recent annual membership surveys. She also shared that vouchers are often referred to as “entitlement without accountability,” as private or religious schools are not held to the same standards, regulations or assessments as public schools.

Senator Wicker’s staff shared that he has received a number of calls from pro-voucher supporters. It is important that he hear from those who fear vouchers will destroy our public schools and communities. You may share your thoughts with Senator Wicker by calling 202-224-6253 or visiting www.wicker.senate.gov. You may contact Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith at 202-224-5054 or visiting www.hydesmith.senate.gov.   

In a significant development yesterday, June 26, 2025, the U.S. Senate Parliamentarian ruled that the tax-credit voucher provision in HR 1 violates the Senate’s Byrd Rule which is a procedural rule that limits what can be included in a budget reconciliation bill. The purpose of the Byrd Rule is to ensure that budget reconciliation bills, which can pass the Senate with a simple majority (51 votes) instead of the usual 60-vote threshold to overcome a filibuster, are primarily focused on budget matters. Since the voucher provision violates the Byrd Rule, it must be removed from the reconciliation bill unless 60 senators vote to waive the rule. This is not likely to happen, so the voucher provision will most likely not end up in the final version of HR 1.