spot_imgspot_img

Op-Ed: What the election results mean for education choice

spot_img

Education choice is the biggest civil rights issue of our time, and Tuesday night’s election results in Idaho and many states across the nation show broad support.

At the federal level, President-elect Donald Trump promised on the campaign trail to expand choice options nationally – and with Republicans likely to control both houses of Congress, that looks more possible.

Polling done shortly before the election shows nearly 70% of voters approve allowing families access to tax dollars to use for education that best fits their child’s needs.

It didn’t take long for national political pundits to point to education choice as a large factor in last night’s results, especially among Latino voters.

“Latino voters, in many ways, are driven by the same issues, and there’s one issue in particular actually that Republicans align closer to Latino voters, or Latino voters align more closely to the conservative party, and that’s school choice,” NBC’s Chuck Todd said. “Both Florida and Texas have been very aggressive about expanding school choice. Where have Republicans made the greatest gains among Hispanic voters? Florida and Texas.”

Congressman Adrian Smith of Nebraska, who represents a mostly rural district, and Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, have proposed the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) that would provide credits against federal individual and corporate income taxes for donations to scholarship granting organizations.

Scholarships would be awarded to as many as two million students nationwide, including more than 13,000 in Idaho, which can be used for private school tuition or educational services and materials akin to how a “529” plan works for higher education expenses. This latter option means that a child who remained in a district public school could still obtain a scholarship to address learning gaps.

Education choice comes in many shapes and sizes. It can include:

Charter schoolsTax credit scholarshipsTax creditsEducation Savings Accounts

Idaho Republicans have kept – and even expanded – their super majority in the state legislature, with more advocates for choice set to take office in the next 60 days.

Polling by Boise State University shows support for education choice in Idaho. Mountain States Policy Center will release the results of our 2024 Idaho Poll in December, which will also feature questions about education choice and reform.

The table is set for policymakers at the state and federal level to expand education options for families.

DON’T MISS OUT

Be the first to know about the latest news, giveaways, events, and updates from The Black Chronicle!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

spot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

Suspect Arrested in UnitedHealthcare CEO’s Murder

Authorities have arrested a man in connection with the...

King County expands mobile crisis care teams to reach more people

(The Center Square) – King County is expanding its...

Constitutional amendments emphasize fiscal responsibility, judicial accountability

(The Center Square) − On Saturday, Louisiana voters approved...

Bonta backs bill requiring warning labels on social media

(The Center Square) – California Attorney General Rob is...

Prop. 479 case dropped, sales tax will continue

(The Center Square) – Proposition 479 is no longer...

Spokane to adopt 2025-26 budget closing $25M deficit with small surplus leftover

(The Center Square) – Spokane is slated to adopt...

Clark County recount underway in Senate race; GOP lawsuit already filed

(The Center Square) – Clark County election officials have...

More like this
Related

Suspect Arrested in UnitedHealthcare CEO’s Murder

Authorities have arrested a man in connection with the...

King County expands mobile crisis care teams to reach more people

(The Center Square) – King County is expanding its...

Constitutional amendments emphasize fiscal responsibility, judicial accountability

(The Center Square) − On Saturday, Louisiana voters approved...

Illinois quick hits: Durbin to chair hearing on Trump deportation plan

Johnson adviser voted in Texas last month ...