Sen. Ted Cruz introduced a school choice bill this week that would open up $10 billion in federal tax credits for individuals or businesses that donate to nonprofits that provide K-12 scholarships to public or private school students.
The Texas Republican unveiled the Universal School Choice Act on Tuesday.
"School choice is the civil rights issue of the 21st century. Every child in America deserves access to a quality education that meets their individual needs, regardless of race, ethnicity, income, or zip code," Cruz said in a release. "I remain committed to leading this fight until universal school choice has become available to every American, and I call upon my colleagues to expeditiously take up and advance this legislation."
According to the bill, scholarships could be applied to tuition, books and online educational materials, tutoring, dual enrollment, and other school-related expenses.
The Texas Public Policy Foundation, an Austin-based conservative think tank, supported Cruz's measure.
"Senator Ted Cruz has been leading the fight for educational freedom and parental rights across America for many years," TPPF campaign director Mandy Drogin said in the release. "Senator Cruz understands that true education reform starts with putting parents in the driver's seat, and his unwavering commitment to school choice is a powerful example for leaders nationwide."
Reps. Burgess Owens, R-Utah, and Byron Donalds, R-Fla., introduced companion legislation in the House on Tuesday.
"It is well past time to break up the public school monopoly, open up competition amongst schools and let American families take control of their children's educational destiny," Donalds said in the statement.
Mark Swanson ✉
Mark Swanson, a Newsmax writer and editor, has nearly three decades of experience covering news, culture and politics.
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