Lanelle Phillmon

Lanelle Phillmon Guest columnist Florida's 2025 education budget has been described as a battle with winners, losers, and casualties. Vouchers and charter schools saw increased funding, while traditional public schools received insufficient increases to keep pace with inflation. Students are considered the primary casualties as funds are diverted from traditional public schools to private and charter options. Students are back in class now after a tumultuous summer for school officials.

One hundred and two years ago, when women gained the right to vote, the League of Women Voters was founded to empower voters and defend democracy. The first League convention in 1920 voted 69 separate items as statements of principle and recommendations for legislation. It is no surprise that education, child welfare and public health were among our top issues then and now. This past year, more so than ever, our public education has been and still is under attack, which is a threat to democracy.