Sen. Cruz Introduces Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) introduced the Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act. The legislation expands education options and would provide a federal tax credit for individuals and businesses to donate to nonprofit scholarship funds for individual students’ education.
Upon introduction, Sen. Cruz said, “Every child deserves the chance to succeed. The Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act ensures students have access to quality education regardless of their income or background. This legislation will empower families and foster private investment through a dollar-for-dollar tax credit, expanding opportunities for all American students.”
This bill is also cosponsored by Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.).
Read the bill text here.
BACKGROUND
Sen. Cruz has led this effort to provide expand education options available to all students since 2019. Sen. Cruz has also previously introduced this legislation in 2021 and 2023.
The Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act:
- Encourages States to Opt In: Opting in to the freedom scholarship approach to education will reduce federal control over education and return the power to government more accountable to parents.
- Is State Directed: States maintain the authority to create a program that works for them. States can decide which students are eligible for the scholarship credit, what constitutes eligible educational expenses and eligible educational providers, and more.
- Encourages Workplace Training Education: There is more than one pathway to success, and our rapidly-changing 21st century economy means that workers need new skills to compete. In addition to elementary and secondary education scholarships, this bill allows for scholarships related to career and technical education, apprenticeships, certifications, and other forms of workforce training for postsecondary students.
- Prohibits Federal Control of Education: Clarifies that nothing in this act shall be construed to permit, allow, encourage, or authorize any increased regulation or control over any aspect of a participating educational provider, scholarship granting organization, or workforce training organization. This allows all education providers to be able to participate, without fear of federal control.
- Helps Our Most Vulnerable Students: Many low and middle-income students cannot afford tuition and educational expenses themselves, or do not have the means to pay for the workforce training needed to secure a stable, high-paying job. This tax credit will provide scholarships for these students, so that they can have the opportunity to receive an effective and successful education that prepares them for the future.
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