Colorado Families Concerned as Bennet Backs Charter School Expansion
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO - Colorado families are voicing concerns over Senator Michael Bennet's support for expanding charter schools, even as the Trump administration proposes deep cuts to K-12 public education funding nationwide.
Bennet, who is also running for governor, has teamed up with Louisiana Republican Senator Bill Cassidy to reintroduce the Equitable Access to School Facilities Act. This bill would make it easier for charter schools to acquire public property and provide federal grants to states for charter school facilities.
"It's troubling to see Senator Bennet aligning himself with the Trump administration's education agenda, especially when it comes at the expense of our neighborhood public schools," said Karen Francisco, a Littleton resident who attended a recent town hall with Bennet. "Shouldn't he be fighting for all Colorado students, not just the 15% in charter schools?"
The president's proposed education budget includes an estimated $60 million in new annual funding for the charter school sector, even as it calls for billions in cuts to K-12 public schools nationwide.
"Equitable is an ironic choice of words, given that charter schools are exempt from dozens of requirements placed on neighborhood public schools," Francisco added.
This comes as Colorado families and communities are already grappling with the impacts of public safety power shutoffs due to high winds and wildfire risk. Reliable electricity is critical for everything from medical devices to receiving emergency evacuation notices.
"There's trouble ahead for us all if Bennet continues to prioritize charter school expansion over supporting our neighborhood public schools and the broader Colorado community," Francisco warned.
As Bennet divides his time between the Senate and his gubernatorial campaign, local residents are questioning whether he will truly fight for all Colorado students and families if elected governor.
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