Educational Choice for Children Act introduced by four Senate Republicans

U.S. Sens. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Steve Daines (R-MT), Tim Scott (R-SC), and Todd Young (R-IN) recently unveiled bicameral legislation that would expand education freedom and opportunity for millions of students across the country.

“Giving parents the ability to make decisions over their child’s education puts that child’s needs first,” Sen. Cassidy said. “Our bill provides yet another opportunity to empower parents and allow millions of children to thrive in a school that’s best for them.”

The Educational Choice for Children Act, S. 4416, which Sen. Cassidy sponsored on June 16 with original cosponsors Sens. Daines, Scott, and Young, would provide 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, according to a bill summary from the lawmakers.

“Montana students deserve every chance to succeed — an integral part of that success is being enrolled in an education program that’s right for them,” said Sen. Daines. “I’m glad to support this legislation which will help ensure Montana parents and students have the freedom and opportunity to choose the education that best suits their needs.”

If enacted, S. 4416 would provide annual tax credits administered by the U.S. Treasury Department. The bill would set a base amount for each state and the credits would be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis, according to the summary.

“I’ve always said that when you give parents a choice, you give kids a better chance at achieving their dreams,” Sen. Scott said. “By empowering families with more education resources, this bill could change the lives of millions of high-potential students who deserve every opportunity to succeed.”

“All families should have the freedom to make choices that best meet their children’s educational needs. Our bill will provide more parents with the flexibility to make these important decisions and help to ensure students across the country are afforded the opportunities they deserve,” said Sen. Young.

The proposal would use a limited government approach regarding federalism, the summary says, thus avoiding mandates on states, localities and school districts, and includes provisions that govern Scholarship Granting Organizations, which have the ability to determine the individual amount of scholarship awards.

Eligible uses of scholarship awards include tuition, fees, book supplies, and equipment for enrollment or attendance at an elementary or secondary school, the summary says. 

S. 4416 is identical legislation to the same-named H.R. 8137, which also was introduced on June 16 by bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN) and 10 Republican original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Mike Kelly (R-PA), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), and John Moolenaar (R-MI).