Dear Senator Dean Heller:
I just this moment received news that two of your Republican colleagues, Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, confirmed that they would not vote for Betsy DeVos for Education Secretary.
You’ve got to be wondering why I, a liberal from New York City, am writing to you, a Republican from Nevada. Well, the reason is quite simple: You are, at this point, the only remaining politician who can stop the absolute insanity of a DeVos confirmation.
I’m a public educator and you, Senator, are a graduate of a public high school… And look at you! A senator! I’ve researched your Senate voting history and it is, indeed, quite conservative, in definition, but certainly not baseless. I ask you to consider your positions on public education, as opposed as they could possibly be to mine, and consider that your arguments will never sway my beliefs (and experiences); but also consider that should DeVos represent our country in regards to public education, it is she who would be championing baseless ideals without the experience, credibility, and certification of a sound education secretary.
And, in support of your beliefs, it should be noted that school vouchers aren’t necessarily a “conservative” approach; rather, they're a costly Band-Aid for a few. School vouchers more often than not use public funds at a cost that is footed by taxpayers. I won’t even go into the great social and legal cases against vouchers – time is of the essence; but shouldn’t you, in the very least, consider the cost?
Senator Heller, you are one of the few remaining Republicans to not state her/his position on DeVos's nomination; and I urge you, for the sake of public schools across the country, to take a stand against ignorance and to continue to find solutions to our many concerns. You are almost always willing to work with your colleagues across the aisle. Let this be one of those moments.
Please, find a different route and a different driver to meet this issue. Do not let Betsy DeVos steer this great school bus of ours.
Sincerely,
Brian Philip Katz
https://www.heller.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/contact-form
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