CatholicVote: CatholicVote Joins Push For Federal School Choice Bill

Rachel Quackenbush, CatholicVote, February 12, 2025

CatholicVote joined a coalition of more than 50 organizations urging Congress to pass the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA).

The bill would establish a federal scholarship tax credit designed to significantly expand education options for K-12 students from lower- to middle-income families.

“We the undersigned represent the largest coalition ever assembled in support of a federal scholarship tax credit that would directly empower K-12 parents of up to two million students to choose the best school or education service for their own children,” the coalition stated in a Feb. 11 letter addressed to congressional leaders.

“It’s time for Congress to rescue families trapped in low-performing schools. It’s time to expand school choice for as many families as possible,” CatholicVote’s Vice President Josh Mercer said. “We support the Educational Choice for Children Act and urge Congress to make passing this legislation a major priority. We need stronger families now.”

The legislation previously gained strong bipartisan backing, with 186 cosponsors in the 118th Congress — more than any previous federal school choice bill.

The coalition explained in their letter that the ECCA would not require new federal funding or reduce existing K-12 education appropriations. Instead, it would establish a $10 billion annual fund through voluntary contributions from taxpayers, who would receive a 100% non-refundable tax credit for donating to nonprofit scholarship organizations. 

These funds would provide scholarships for “tuition, tutoring to address learning loss, special needs services, education technology, online courses, or curriculum materials,” according to the letter.

The coalition also pointed to the growing national movement toward school choice, noting that 32 states, and Washington, D.C., have expanded education freedom programs since 2020. The coalition argued that Congress now has the “opportunity – indeed, the responsibility,” to expand these opportunities nationwide.

“More than 20 years of research into private school choice programs proves that students who are fortunate enough to participate are benefiting tremendously,” the letter stated, pointing to improved graduation rates and college enrollment, and even positive impacts on surrounding public schools.

“ECCA’s core purpose is to ensure that every child has access to a great education and a productive life,” the authors said. “It empowers families and teachers to find the best educational option based on their unique needs. It will cost-effectively help reverse the long decline in the performance of our school system. What matters most is ensuring that every child has access to a great education, that every child can be in a school or education setting that best meets their unique needs.”

Read the full article by CatholicVote here. 

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