Owens Helps Introduce the Educational Choice for Children Act

Washington, D.C. – Today, Rep. Burgess Owens (UT-04), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education, helped introduce the Educational Choice for Children Act, 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.

“In America, a child’s education should never be determined by their race, income, or zip code,” said Rep. Owens. “Unfortunately, our country’s one-size-fits-all education system leaves far too many students behind. I am proud to support the Education Choice for Children Act because it expands education freedom, unlocks high-quality opportunities, and helps students across the nation reach their God-given potential.”

Background on the Education 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.
• An estimated two million students in any elementary or secondary education setting, including homeschool, are eligible to receive a scholarship. Eligible use of scholarships awards includes tuition, fees, book supplies, and equipment for the enrollment or attendance at an elementary or secondary school.

The Educational Choice for Children Act has received the endorsement of the Association of Christian Schools International.

The full text of the bill is available here.

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