Hoosier State Today

U.S. Senators Todd Young, Bill Cassidy, and Tim Scott have reintroduced the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), aiming to broaden educational opportunities for students. The proposed legislation seeks to enhance school choice by encouraging charitable donations from businesses and individuals to fund scholarships for students attending independent or religiously affiliated schools.

"School choice empowers families and teachers to meet each child’s unique learning needs. Our bill will unlock more opportunities for families to make decisions that will help students succeed," stated Senator Young.

Senator Cassidy emphasized the importance of parental involvement in education: "Parents want to see their child succeed. Giving them the ability to make decisions over their child’s education puts that child’s needs first."

"When you give parents a choice, you give kids a better chance at achieving their dreams," added Senator Scott. He believes that this bill will provide American children with more educational resources and freedom, thus unlocking opportunities previously inaccessible.

The ECCA includes provisions related to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) which are tasked with determining scholarship award amounts. Approximately two million students across various educational settings, including homeschoolers, are expected to qualify for these scholarships. The funds can be used for tuition, fees, book supplies, and equipment necessary for enrollment or attendance at elementary or secondary schools.

Several other Republican senators have supported the introduction of this bill alongside Young, Cassidy, and Scott. These include Senators Cynthia Lummis, Steve Daines, John Cornyn, John Thune, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Eric Schmitt, Tim Sheehy, Ted Budd, John Kennedy, Tommy Tuberville, Jim Justice, Jim Risch, John Barrasso, Thom Tillis and Roger Marshall.

Senator Young has consistently advocated for school choice over the years and recently introduced a resolution designating January 26 through February 1 as "National School Choice Week." He also presented the ECCA during the last Congress session.