Washington, D.C.– Today, America First Works announced its support for Arizona House Bill (H.B.) 2853, which advances education opportunity for children by expanding the school voucher program to all 1.1 million Arizona students.
“This historic bill empowers Arizona families to invest their taxpayer dollars directly on what is best for them, ensuring equal access to quality education,” said Brooke Rollins, America First Works Senior Advisor and America First Policy Institute’s President and CEO. “By passing H.B. 2853, Arizona legislators can empower parents, restart their education engine, and reverse the downward trend of student achievement since the pandemic. This will benefit all Arizona children who suffered the past 2 years.”
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, school choice is even more crucial in ensuring the growth of our Nation’s children. Public student test scores in Arizona were reaching shocking lows in 2021, with only 35% of 3rd-graders passing their English language arts exam and only 27% of 8th-graders passing their math exam.
Currently, the Empowerment Scholarship Account program only serves a select number of Arizona students in low-performing public schools. This proposed statewide expansion by Arizona House Majority Leader Ben Toma will allow all K-12 students to receive the taxpayer funds earmarked for their education. The funds will be available for various expenses, including private school tuition, homeschooling materials, tutoring services, transportation costs, technology, and textbooks.
Read more about Arizona H.B. 2853 HERE.
Read more about the benefits of school choice policies HERE.