FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 27, 2019
CONTACT: Alexandra Phelps
[email protected]
(703) 966-0831
Washington, D.C. — Jeanne Allen, the founder and CEO of the Center for Education Reform (CER), issued the following statement:
“News of federal legislation to incentivize private funding of scholarships for low-income and working-class families broke tonight, a welcome sign in the battle for more opportunities for students. With the Education Freedom Scholarship and Opportunity Act, Washington will take a significant step toward expanding federal support for innovation, opportunity and access to high-quality education for students across America.
“The bill will make up to $5 billion available for tax credits for contributions to organizations that distribute scholarships to students. When less-advantaged students and families have power that is normally reserved for wealthier Americans, education improves. This is a vital step in the right direction to addressing massive deficiencies in education, which should be considered the most important domestic issue of our time.
“We welcome federal policymakers’ support of a decades-old movement to transform public education. Whenever Congress can debate how best to provide states with the resources necessary to support education, it’s a win.”
Education Secretary DeVos discusses this proposal and its benefits to the public, to teachers and to families on this week’s episode of Reality Check with Jeanne Allen.
About the Center for Education Reform
Founded in 1993, the Center for Education Reform aims to expand educational opportunities that lead to improved economic outcomes for all Americans — particularly our youth — ensuring that the conditions are ripe for innovation, freedom and flexibility throughout U.S. education.
As a non-partisan, nonprofit organization, CER does not endorse candidates or take political positions but will always recognize and applaud those who advance sound education policies, no matter what their affiliation.