“School choice is the Civil Rights Issue of the 21st Century."
WASHINGTON, D.C. – "School choice is the Civil Rights issue of the 21st Century – and every child in America deserves a quality education that meets their individual needs, regardless of race, ethnicity, income, or zip code," said Sen. Ted Cruz, as he introduced the "Universal School Choice Act" in the U.S. Senate,
The bill is designed to enhance universal school choice options for every child, and allows for up to $10 billion annually in dollar-for-dollar Federal Tax Credits for individuals and businesses that contribute to non-profit scholarship granting organizations supporting students’ educational opportunities.
Companion legislation was introduced in the House by Reps. Burgess Owens (R-Utah-4) and Byron Donalds (right, R-Fla.-19).
“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,” Cruz said.
Sen. Cruz filed the "Education Freedom Scholarships & Opportunity Act" in 2019, 2021 and 2023 to make quality schooling and workforce education more affordable than ever for all Americans.
“It is well passed time break up the public school monopoly, open up competition amongst schools and let American families take control of their children’s educational destiny," said Cong. Donalds, adding, "For too long, Americans of all backgrounds have been the victim of an archaic, ineffective, and unproductive public school system.
"I’m proud to work with Senator Cruz and Congressman Owens on bringing universal school choice and educational freedom to American families everywhere,” Donalds said.
Noted Cong. Owens (right,) a former NFL player and Super Bowl Champion, “Every child, not just the lucky few in the right zip code, deserves access to a world-class education that meets their unique needs."This bill empowers parents to choose the educational environment that best suits their child’s needs and abilities – it's an expanded opportunity for all Americans to invest directly in the future of our children. It delivers a robust wish list to those who believe in parental choice, and I’m grateful to Senator Cruz for his partnership.”
The Texas Public Policy Foundation supports this bill. Said Mandy Drogin, Campaign Director at the Texas Public Policy Foundation:
“Senator Cruz has been leading the fight for educational freedom and parental rights for many years – he understands that true education reform starts with putting parents in the driver’s seat. His unwavering commitment to school choice is a powerful example for leaders nationwide.”
Read the full text of the bill here.
BACKGROUND:
Senator Cruz has been the leading voice in the United States Senate on both school choice, and parental rights in education.
- Sen. Cruz authored and passed into law the Student Opportunity Amendment as part of the 2017 Tax Cuts & Jobs Act. This amendment expanded 529 College Savings Plans to include K-12 elementary and secondary school tuition for public, private, and religious schools. It was at the time and remains the most far-reaching federal school choice legislation ever passed.
- Sen. Cruz introduced the END CRT Act in 2021 and demanded the DOJ not interfere with local school board meetings or threaten the use of federal law enforcement to deter parents’ free speech.
- Sen. Cruz also led the fight to fully reopen schools in 2021 and introduced the Catch Up Our Kids Act, legislation to combat K-12 learning loss.
