FreedomWorks’ Bill of the Month for January 2022: The Creating Hope and Opportunity for Individuals and Communities through Education (CHOICE) Act S. 74

Parental choice in education provides students with much-needed opportunities by attending the school that best suits their needs regardless of zip code. Parents in 2021 made their voices heard by showing up to school board meetings, running for office, and taking charge of their children’s education. It has never been more apparent that we must empower parents with programs that fund students instead of broken systems.

S. 74, The Creating Hope and Opportunity for Individuals and Communities through Education (CHOICE) Act introduced by Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) would do just that. The co-chair of the Congressional School Choice Caucus, Sen. Scott, prioritizes students by supporting parents and expanding programs that provide a lifeline to millions of students.

Choice in education should be the norm, not the exception. After over a year of remote learning and onerous mask mandates, it is far past time to put students first. This National School Choice Week, FreedomWorks is excited to recognize great legislation like Sen. Scott’s CHOICE Act as our Bill of the Month for January 2022.

The Details

The CHOICE Act…

• Permits states that have established programs for parents of disabled children to use public or private funds for the cost of their children attending a private school to supplement those funds with federal special education funds.
• Authorizes grants to support state programs that allow disabled children to send them to the school that best fits their unique needs.
• Establishes a five-year pilot program that allows military-dependent students who live on military bases to attend the school where they are best equipped to succeed.

Why it Matters

Quality education has a significant impact on a child’s life. Programs that promote choice in education allow students to find a school tailored to their unique needs are a lifeline for millions of children otherwise trapped in a system that has routinely failed them.

Currently, the CHOICE Act has nine cosponsors in the Senate. Hopefully, more lawmakers will recognize the importance of providing students with educational opportunities and support this legislation.