2023’s banner victories may extend school choice revolution into 2024
A Record Year for Universal School Choice
A record number of states enacted universal school choice bill clears legislature and heads to Gov. Sanders’s desk”>universal school choice programs in 2023, marking a significant victory for advocates. With the 2022 midterm elections behind them, GOP lawmakers in several states with unified party control made universal school choice a top priority.
The Rise of Universal School Choice
“2023 was the year of universal school choice,” exclaimed Corey DeAngelis, senior fellow at the American Federation for Children. “We’ve witnessed the biggest wins in the school choice movement. A revolution in universal school choice has ignited.”
The revolution began in Iowa, where Governor Kim Reynolds (R-IA) signed the first universal school choice bill of 2023. Reynolds, determined to support school choice, even endorsed primary challengers against Republican state lawmakers who opposed it in 2022.
The momentum continued to grow. Governor Spencer Cox (R-UT) of Utah signed a bill for universal school choice after intense negotiations with Republicans in the legislature. In Arkansas, newly inaugurated Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders (R-AR) made it her top priority. Additionally, a Republican supermajority in North Carolina overrode Governor Roy Cooper’s (D-NC) veto of a school choice measure.
Other states that enacted universal school choice programs included Indiana, Ohio, South Carolina, Florida, and Oklahoma.
“Red states are now going all-in on school choice, empowering every single family with the opportunity to choose their children’s education providers,” DeAngelis explained. “We’re witnessing the laboratories of democracy at work, especially in red states. The GOP has emerged as the Parents Party, with leaders engaging in friendly competition to empower all families with education freedom.”
Looking Ahead to 2024
While 2023 was filled with “friendly competition” among red states, DeAngelis sees even more victories and opportunities on the horizon as the new year approaches and legislative sessions begin.
“Twenty-two states have GOP trifectas, where Republicans control the legislature and the governor’s office,” DeAngelis noted. “If all legislators with ‘Rs’ next to their names voted like Republicans and listened to their constituents, we’d have at least twice as many states with universal school choice.”
Indeed, Governor Bill Lee (R-TN) announced plans to push through a universal school choice bill for Tennessee in the coming year, with support from the state legislature’s Republican leadership.
However, other states may face challenges. Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) spent a significant portion of 2023 battling with Republican lawmakers in his state’s legislature who opposed his universal school choice efforts. Following Iowa’s Reynolds, Abbott has backed primary challengers against GOP lawmakers who opposed his bill.
“Voters are determined to bring change to Texas, and parents will finally have universal school choice,” DeAngelis confidently stated.
“Conservatives have awakened to the leftist capture of too many government schools,” he added. “Republicans now face a simple choice: stand with parents and their own party platform or align with Randi Weingarten and the Democrats, president of the American Federation of Teachers.”
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What are the ongoing debates and challenges surrounding the funding and regulation of universal school choice programs
S education,” said Carrington Foster, president of the School Choice Coalition. “This is a monumental achievement for the education system in our country.”
The Impact of Universal School Choice
The enactment of universal school choice programs has had a profound impact on families and communities across the nation. Parents now have the freedom to choose the education that best suits the needs and interests of their children, regardless of their income or zip code.
With universal school choice, families are no longer restricted to their assigned neighborhood schools. They can explore various options, including public, private, charter, and online schools, as well as homeschooling. This allows parents to customize their children’s education and provide them with a learning environment that nurtures their talents and interests.
Moreover, universal school choice promotes competition in the education sector. Schools are now incentivized to continually improve and innovate to attract students. This ultimately leads to higher quality education for all students, as schools strive to meet the diverse needs and preferences of families.
Additionally, universal school choice has expanded access to quality education for low-income families. Previously, these families were often trapped in underperforming schools with limited opportunities. Now, they can access schools that were previously out of reach, giving their children a chance at a brighter future.
The Road Ahead
While the achievements of 2023 are significant, advocates of universal school choice recognize that there is still a long road ahead. Several states are actively working towards implementing or expanding their school choice programs in the coming years.
There are also ongoing debates about the best ways to fund and regulate universal school choice programs. Advocates argue for policies that provide equitable funding and ensure transparency and accountability in the use of taxpayer dollars. Critics, on the other hand, raise concerns about the potential for increased segregation and the diversion of public funds to private schools.
Nevertheless, the record number of states enacting universal school choice programs in 2023 is a clear indication of the growing demand for educational options and the belief in empowering parents to make choices for their children’s education.
“The success of universal school choice in 2023 demonstrates that Americans value freedom and recognize the importance of education in shaping the future of our nation,” said Corey DeAngelis. “We will continue to fight for the expansion of educational opportunities for all families, ensuring that every child has the chance to succeed.”
Conclusion
2023 has been a groundbreaking year for universal school choice in the United States. With a record number of states enacting such programs, families now have the power to choose the education that best suits their children. This represents a revolution in the education system and a significant victory for advocates of school choice.
Universal school choice has empowered parents, expanded access to quality education, and promoted competition and innovation in schools. While challenges and debates remain, the momentum behind school choice shows no signs of waning.
As the fight for educational freedom continues, it is crucial to remember the impact that universal school choice has on the lives of countless students. With every new state that embraces school choice, more families are given the opportunity to provide their children with an education that unlocks their full potential and prepares them for a successful future.
In the words of Carrington Foster, “This is a revolution that is transforming the face of education in our country, one state at a time.
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