Sen. Cassidy Leads GOP Push for $10 Billion School Choice Expansion

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) introduced the Educational Choice for Children Act on January 29, 2025, aiming to expand school choice options nationwide. The legislation, backed by two dozen Republican colleagues, proposes $10 billion in annual tax credits to fund scholarships for K-12 education.

The bill would incentivize individuals and businesses to make charitable donations toward scholarship programs, which would cover expenses for both public and private school students. The Treasury Department would administer the tax credits, with funds distributed to states on a first-come, first-serve basis.

“All families should be able to choose the school that best fits their child’s needs, regardless of zip code or income,” said Cassidy, who chairs the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee. “School choice empowers parents and ensures children have every opportunity to succeed.”

Senator Scott emphasized the transformative potential of school choice, stating, “Leaving our kids’ education and the future of America’s children to chance is simply not an option. Transforming our nation’s education system and ensuring every child has access to a quality education must be our call to action every single day.”

The legislation coincides with National School Choice Week, recognized from January 26 to February 1. A concurrent resolution, introduced by U.S. Representatives John Moolenaar (R-MI), Tim Walberg (R-MI), and Burgess Owens (R-UT), celebrates the impact of education freedom on students and families.

Representative Moolenaar highlighted the importance of parental involvement in education, saying, “Parents and students deserve to have the chance to pursue the best education available to them. School choice gives students the opportunity to achieve their highest potential.”

The resolution has garnered support from over 30 Republican lawmakers, including Senators James Lankford (R-OK), Ted Cruz (R-TX), and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), as well as Representatives Julia Letlow (R-LA), Nancy Mace (R-SC), and Dan Newhouse (R-WA).

Critics of the bill argue that it could divert funding from public schools, while proponents believe it will provide families with greater flexibility and access to quality education. The legislation now moves to committee review, where its future will be debated.