Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik cosponsored the Educational Choice for Children Act, introduced by Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN), which would support parents’ right to choose school options that work for their family.
Specifically, this legislation would expand education freedom and opportunity for millions of students by providing a charitable donation incentive for individuals and businesses to fund scholarship awards for students to cover expenses related to K-12 public and private education, amounting to $10 billion on an annual basis. Eligible use of scholarships awards includes tuition, fees, book supplies, educational activities, and equipment.
“Educational choice is a critical way to provide the best opportunities for our students, and this bill will allow families to determine the highest quality and most suitable education for their children,” said Stefanik. “Importantly, this legislation can equip students in rural communities with additional supports to supplement their learning in the local school, bringing new opportunities to families that have traditionally lacked educational options. I will continue to empower parents to be able to choose what is best for their children’s education, regardless of zip code.”
The Educational Choice for Children Act:
- Provides $10 billion in annual tax credits to be made available to taxpayers. Allotment of these credits to individuals would be administered by the Treasury Department.
- A base amount will be set for each state and then the credits are distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
- Uses a limited government approach with respect to federalism, thus avoiding mandates on states, localities, and school districts.
- Includes provisions that govern Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), as SGOs are given the ability to determine the individual amount of scholarship awards.
Read the full bill text here.
