Daines Introduces Legislation To Expand Education Opportunities for MT Students

Press Release

U.S. Senator Steve Daines helped introduce the "Educational Choice for Children Act," which would expand education freedom and opportunity for Montana students across the state.

"Montana students deserve every chance to succeed -- an integral part of that success is being enrolled in an education program that's right for them. With the right resources, there is no limit to what Montana students can achieve. I'm glad to support this legislation which will help ensure Montana parents and students have the freedom and opportunity to choose the education that best suits their needs," Daines said.

The bill provides 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.

Daines introduced this bill with Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), Senators Tim Scott (R-S.C.), and Todd Young (R-Ind.).

Background:

The Educational Choice for Children Act provides annual tax credits to be made available to taxpayers. Allotment of these credits to individuals would be administered by the Treasury Department. Additionally, the bill:

Sets a base amount for each state. The credits would be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Uses a limited government approach with respect to federalism, thus avoiding mandates on states, localities, and school districts.
Includes provisions that govern Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), as SGOs are given the ability to determine the individual amount of scholarship awards.
An estimated two million students in any elementary or secondary education setting, including homeschooling, are eligible to receive a scholarship. Eligible use of scholarships awards includes tuition, fees, book supplies, and equipment for enrollment or attendance at an elementary or secondary school.

Read full text of the Educational Choice for Children Act here.

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