Owens Introduces the Universal School Choice Act

WASHINGTON – Education and Workforce Committee Vice Chair Burgess Owens (R-UT) introduced the Universal School Choice Act, historic legislation to fulfill the promise of educational opportunities for every family in every zip code. The bill provides up to $10 billion annually in dollar-for-dollar federal tax credits to individuals and businesses that donate to nonprofit scholarship organizations, expanding access to quality education nationwide. Owens is joined by original co-sponsor Congressman Byron Donalds (R-FL) in the House, with Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) leading the companion bill in the Senate. 

“Once the envy of the world, America’s math, reading, and writing scores have plummeted—yet again a consequence of the federal government’s one-size-fits-all approach to education, which continues to leave our kids unprepared for the demands of today’s workforce,” said Rep. Owens. “The Universal School Choice Act empowers parents to take the driver’s seat in their child’s future, unlocking a menu of education options that meet their unique needs. I’m grateful to Senator Cruz for his partnership and proud to help lead the most transformational expansion of school choice our nation has ever seen, where every child, in every zip code, has the opportunity to succeed.”

“School choice is the civil rights issue of the 21st century,” said Sen. Cruz. “Every child in America deserves access to a quality education that meets their individual needs, regardless of race, ethnicity, income, or zip code. I remain committed to leading this fight until universal school choice has become available to every American, and I call upon my colleagues to expeditiously take up and advance this legislation.”

“Education is one of the fundamental building blocks for the path to success,” said Rep. Donalds. “For too long, Americans of all backgrounds have been the victim of an archaic, ineffective, and unproductive public school system. It is well past time to break up the public school monopoly, open up competition amongst schools and let American families take control of their children’s educational destiny. I’m proud to work with Senator Cruz and Congressman Owens on bringing universal school choice and educational freedom to American families everywhere.”

The Universal School Choice Act:

• Establishes $10 billion in tax credits for individuals and corporations making donations to scholarship granting organizations
• Allows all students to receive scholarships but give priority to households whose income is at 500% or less of the state poverty level
• Permits usage of scholarships for educational purposes including tuition and required fees, curricula and curricular materials, books, online educational materials, tutoring, fees for advanced placement exams and other exams related to admission in institutions of higher education, dual enrollment fees in institutions of higher education, educational therapies for students with disabilities, and transportation costs
• Includes protections that prevent governmental control through the scholarships and prevent the exclusion of private and religious schools from utilizing the scholarships

The full legislative text is available here.

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