Since you’re reading this, you clearly benefited from an education that taught you to read proficiently, probably starting at a young age. Thirty is a number you need to remember throughout this column. Why 30? That is the percentage of kids growing up in Arkansas public schools that can read at grade level when they reach the fourth grade. This means that far too many kids will never reach their full potentials, and some are destined for a life of hardship, only because a system failed them.

This is exactly why we passed the LEARNS Act. The system we had in place was not meeting the needs of all our children. We heard from parents, students, and educators who consistently begged for a change and more opportunities. Remember that 30 number? LEARNS addresses that percentage of children, but focuses explicitly on the other 70 percent who cannot read proficiently. Thanks to LEARNS, reading coaches are deployed across the state to address this reading crisis.

But make no mistake, LEARNS does so much more than address reading.

Thankfully, we have just the people in Arkansas to step up and address our state’s educational crisis. They love our children and want to ensure their educational futures look bright. We call them teachers. But for far too long, our teachers have not been given the compensation they deserve. LEARNS changes that by propelling us to first place in the nation in starting teacher pay when adjusted for cost of living. LEARNS also addresses math, pre-k, high-impact tutoring, merit pay, school loan forgiveness for teachers, school safety, paid maternity leave, and much more.

In recent months, you’ve likely been bombarded with lies about what the LEARNS Act actually does. A group is working overtime to ensure the general public stays confused, ensuring educational outcomes remain stagnant.

They want to pass an amendment to the Arkansas constitution that will bring back the status quo—an education system that was consistently failing our kids—and keep the power concentrated in the hands of a select few special interest groups.

Despite their claims, this unionbacked campaign is working hard to undo the positive gains of the LEARNS Act.

Its amendment would effectively end private schools in our state, eliminating parents’ ability to select a schooling option they feel best meets their child’s educational needs. More opportunities are exactly what families across the state have asked for when it comes to their children’s education. If this union-backed campaign is successful, it will force every single private school to operate exactly as a public school. This would effectively kill educational opportunities in Arkansas, forcing our kids into the cookie-cutter molds they’ve been in for far too long.

You might have heard this amendment has nothing to do with the LEARNS Act. In fact, its supporters said, “It does nothing to LEARNS. LEARNS stays completely, 100 percent intact.” When they think you are not watching, they let the truth slip. Do not be fooled by their talking points. A Democratic colleague in the Legislature said the amendment “repeals portions of the LEARNS Act,” while one of the group’s grassroots activists said the amendment is “our best chance to push back against … the LEARNS Act”.

The campaign’s leadership is comprised of many of the same people who opposed the LEARNS Act from the beginning. One of their leaders also spearheaded a separate group that unsuccessfully tried to repeal the LEARNS Act in its entirety last year.

These organizations and individuals know the LEARNS Act is upending the system that has failed our students for too long. Some of them have been in charge of that system and do not want to lose power, so they are going to great lengths to claw it back, including attempting to deceive voters about the true nature of the amendment.

This amendment brings back the status quo, and one study shows it has a potential price tag of at least $1 billion per year. We have heard of additional studies on this amendment reaching a $4 billion annual price tag. Not only does this mean potential income and property tax increases for Arkansans, but also means more money in the pockets of the special interest groups leading the fight for this amendment.

Last year, we helped usher in a new era for Arkansas education. Let’s not bring back the days of failure and stagnation. Now is not the time to undo the LEARNS Act. Please decline to sign the education amendment.