"Millions of children will now have the opportunity to attend schools like The Imani School and receive a quality education, regardless of their ZIP code or income.”
Texas Insider Report: AUSTIN, Texas – (HOUSTON, Texas) – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) visited The Imani School in Houston, where he met with students, teachers, and families to celebrate historic school choice victories that expand educational opportunities for families in Texas and across the nation.
Sen. Cruz said, “It was inspiring to visit The Imani School and see firsthand the incredible work its teachers and staff are doing to prepare the next generation of Texas students. What I saw today underscores why I have long said that school choice is the civil rights issue of the 21st century. Last year, I was proud to deliver the largest federal school choice program in history, which will unleash billions of dollars in new scholarships for K–12 students across the country. Millions of children will now have the opportunity to attend schools like The Imani School and receive a quality education, regardless of their ZIP code or income.”American Federation for Children Director of Federal Affairs Ashling Preston said, “The Imani School serves as a powerful example of what becomes possible when we trust parents to choose the education that works best for their children. Senator Cruz has been a steadfast champion for giving families greater freedom in their children’s education. His leadership was instrumental in making the Education Freedom Tax Credit a reality, creating an opportunity to deliver school choice to millions of students across the country. AFC appreciates the opportunity to help arrange this impactful visit. We are grateful for Senator Cruz’s continued leadership as Texas and the nation enter this new era of education freedom.”
BACKGROUND
The Education Freedom Tax Credit, legislation authored by Sen. Cruz and established by law as part of the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, provides a dollar-for-dollar federal income tax credit of up to $1,700 per year for individuals who contribute to certified scholarship-granting organizations. Beginning January 1, 2027, eligible K–12 students may receive scholarships from these organizations for educational expenses. In Texas, an estimated 5.4 million students, representing 92% of K–12 students in the state, are eligible for scholarships through the program.
Sen. Cruz also secured provisions from his Student Opportunity Amendment in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act that expanded 529 education savings accounts for K–12 education. The law doubled the annual withdrawal limit for K–12 expenses from $10,000 to $20,000 per student and expanded eligible expenses to include curriculum, books, tutoring, standardized testing, dual enrollment, and certain educational therapies
