Before National School Choice Week lets out, U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville has joined two other lawmakers in legislation to aid school choice.
Joined by Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), and U.S. Rep Adrain Smith (R-Neb.) in the House, Tuberville (R-Auburn) introduced the Educational Choice for Children Act. The act is designed to expand educational opportunities for students by giving a donation incentive for individuals and businesses who help to provide scholarships for public and private educational costs.
Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery) was among the cosponsors.
“There is no better cause than creating educational opportunities for our next generation of leaders,” said Tuberville. “Incentivizing greater investment in school choice will empower parents and students to make the decision best for them.
“I’m proud to support this legislation to ensure our students can achieve the brightest future possible.”
The act would specifically provide $10 billion in annual tax credits to be made available to taxpayers. The credits would be dispensed by the Department of the Treasury.
The legislation would utilize a limited government approach with respect to federalism. This will help to avoid mandates on states, localities, and school districts, Tuberville’s office said.
It will also include provisions that govern Scholarship Granting Organizations. SGO’s are given the ability to determine the individual amount of scholarship awards.
Among the organizations supporting the bill are Invest in Education Coalition, American Federation for Children, and the Home School Legal Defense Association. Former Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos also backs the legislation.
Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.
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