All parents want their kids to be successful. And one of the most basic and necessary tools a child needs to succeed is a proper education.
From reading comprehension to mathematics, education is vital for children to learn the necessary skills to grow and become productive members of society.
Each child’s educational needs are different. Some students can succeed in larger public schools while others might need the structure and small class sizes of charter and private schools. Parents and students should be able to choose a school that allows them to reach their full potential. By denying this choice, we are failing our students.
Since being elected, I have been a strong advocate for school choice and increasing access to education. I recently joined several of my colleagues in introducing the Education Choice for Children Act, a bill that would support parents’ right to choose school options that work for their family.
This legislation would expand education freedom and opportunity for millions of students by providing a charitable donation incentive for individuals and businesses to fund scholarship awards for students to cover expenses related to K-12 public and private education, amounting to $10 billion on an annual basis.
An estimated two million students in any elementary or secondary education setting, including homeschool, are eligible to receive a scholarship. Eligible use of scholarships awards includes tuition, fees, book supplies, and equipment for the enrollment or attendance at an elementary or secondary school.
Education gives every child, no matter the zip code, socioeconomic status, or background, the opportunity to succeed. The past two years have shown us that students need to have the opportunity to succeed no matter where they live.
The Educational Choice for Children Act will increase access to educational opportunities for children across Iowa’s Second District, especially in our rural communities. I left home at sixteen to find the best education for myself and I was proud to join in introducing this important and commonsense bill to support our students. We can support both educational choice and public schools to best serve our students.
That is why it is important for Congress to act and highlight the benefits of school choice and giving parent’s a say in their children’s education. I will continue to be a leading voice in fighting to ensure our students are treated fairly.
Rep. Miller-Meeks Official Photo
Mariannette Miller-Meeks a member of the House Committee on Education and Labor and is a resident of Ottumwa who currently represents Iowa’s Second District in the United States House of Representatives.
