LEXINGTON, Ky. — As the 2024 general election approaches, Kentuckians are rallying for and against Amendment 2, which proposes changing the state's constitution to allow taxpayer dollars to go to private schools. 

What You Need To Know

  • Kentuckians continue to rally for and against Amendment 2 with Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, just three weeks away 

  • The amendment proposes changing the state's constitution to allow taxpayer dollars to go to private schools 

  • Americans for Prosperity Kentucky encourages a "yes" vote 

  • The national American Federation of Teachers group is rallying against the amendment 

The national American Federation of Teachers group is making stops nationwide to discuss their concerns about the amendment’s possible impact. American Federation of Teachers encouraged a “no” vote.

The group stopped in Lexington, where they were joined by Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky.

Beshear said the amendment could lead to policy changes. 

“About three sessions ago, they tried to pass the charter school bill and the charter school funding, but they were told that the constitution prevents them from doing so,” he said. 

Heather Lemire, state director of Americans for Prosperity Kentucky, said they are following their mission to remove what they consider lifestyle barriers for families and emphasis on education, economics and other values. The group encouraged a “yes” vote. 

“We’ve talked to probably around 160,000 people at doors, so that is really what I think sets us apart,” Lemire said. “We’re meeting people where they are and finding out the issues that they care about and trying to give them the facts on their doorstep.”

Lemire said the amendment isn’t only for wealthy families but could also benefit low-income households.

“I think that lower-income families, they don’t have any choice,” Lemire said. “We’re seeing such amazing innovation with schools like the Dream Academy on the west end of Louisville, and there could be so much more of that if parents had funding.”

Opponents argue 90% of Kentucky’s students attend public schools and could risk the loss of resources, programs and staff to help them, should the amendment pass. Parent Milan Bush, who is working with the American Federation of Teachers, said she has dealt with both public and private schools and wants to remind voters what may be at stake for children. 

“One of my favorite songs is [from] Whitney Houston; I just believe children are the future,” she said. “And I think that’s the key, is understanding that we’re not doing this specifically for us. It’s really for the kids that are here and the kids that are coming behind us. We continue to embrace education.” 

“There is a set type of person that we speak to. And as we again look at things from a societal aspect, we include those voices that we typically may not include in the process.”

According to FactCheck.org, Americans for Prosperity is a conservative and libertarian group that receives significant financing from Koch Industries. Billionaire Charles Koch serves as the company’s chairman.

Influencewatch.org said the American Federation of Teachers is a nonprofit that receives substantial grants from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

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