Every child is unique. Their learning styles, interests, strengths and challenges vary widely – and yet for too many families, the education options available to them are one-size-fits-all.
That needs to change.
At the Herzog Tomorrow Foundation, we believe parents – not zip codes or government systems – should have the power to choose the education that best fits their children’s needs.
Whether it’s a Christian school, a technical program, a public charter or another option altogether, families should be free to choose what works best.
That’s why we strongly support the federal Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), which would empower individuals and businesses to contribute to nonprofit scholarship programs that help families afford the school of their choice.
If passed, this legislation would expand education freedom for millions of students across all 50 states – without taking any money away from public schools.
The ECCA would work by providing $10 billion in annual tax credits that would be immediately available to taxpayers. This would allow willing individuals and businesses to donate to nonprofit scholarships that would support children across the country. The funds could be used to pay for tuition, tutoring, special needs services, homeschooling materials, education technology and more – ensuring that children have what they need to thrive.
The demand for high-quality education is rising, and particularly for education that aligns with parents’ values and what they seek to instill in their children.
This is especially true here in Missouri. Parents want their kids to thrive academically, socially and spiritually. We’ve seen firsthand how the right education can change lives and communities for the better. Families need and deserve access to the school that fits their children the best.
The ECCA is a powerful way to support families across the spectrum. This legislation respects the role of parents, and it opens the door to opportunities that would otherwise have been impossible to reach.
With the passage of this bill, every child would have the shot at success that they deserve.
As a proud Missourian, I urge Congressman Jason Smith (R-MO-08) and others who represent Missouri in Congress to back this bill and put the power in the hands of parents to choose what is best for their children.
Now is the perfect opportunity: President Trump has voiced his support, and many other influential voices in Congress have been speaking up and advocating for school choice. This year is the time to do it.
It all comes down to one simple concept: putting our kids first. By doing that and passing the ECCA, we can ensure that they all will have brighter futures.
