FOR RELEASE:  Immediate

CONTACT:  Peter Murphy
pmurphy@investineducation.org
(518) 369-1154

CONGRESS INTRODUCES EDUCATIONAL CHOICE FOR CHILDREN ACT

The bill will directly empower America’s parents and students 

Washington, D.C. (Jan. 26) –The Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), a bill to expand education freedom for two million children across the country by generating up to $10 billion in private scholarship money for use in K-12 public and private education, was introduced today in Congress. 

“Expanding K-12 education freedom is more urgent than ever for our children and in demand by their parents; it’s time for Congress and the Administration to follow the lead of states and deliver,” said Luke Messer, president of the Invest in Education Coalition, former three-term member of Congress who represented Indiana’s sixth district, and co-founder of the Congressional School Choice Caucus.

The ECCA would provide tax credits against federal income and business taxes for charitable donations to K-12 not-for-profit scholarship granting organizations (SGO) for scholarships to parents to choose the best school for their child.  These scholarships directly empower parents and could also be used for tutoring to address learning loss, special needs services or education technology. 

“No public policy issue enjoys more across-the-board support from voters than school choice, which is why 31 states and D.C. have tax credit scholarship, voucher or Education Savings Account programs” said Messer.  “By passing the ECCA, Congress will complement what these states have done and will create this opportunity for children in every state. This is how Congress can put America’s parents and students first.” 

ECCA legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and Tim Scott of South Carolina (S. 120); and in the U.S. House by Representatives Adrian Smith of Nebraska and Burgess Owens of Utah (H.R. 531).  

Background and details of the Educational Choice for Children Act can be found at www.investineducation.org

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