Ted Cruz does what Texas Legislature could not: expand ‘school choice’
While critics have called Cruz's amendment a private school voucher for rich families, Cruz has lauded it as the "most far-reaching federal school choice legislation."
"Expanding 529's ensures that each child receives an education that meets their individual needs, instead of being forced into a one-size-fits-all approach to education, or limited to their zip code," Cruz said in a statement shortly after the vote on his amendment.
Cruz's effort comes months after his counterparts in the Republican-dominated
The Rev.
"They have been sold a lie that public education has failed which couldn't be further from the truth. We're doing a better job than we ever have with dramatically reduced funding," Johnson said.
Under Cruz' amendment, families can use up to
It's not clear how many
But an analysis by the
School choice advocates had called the figures overblown and said a study by EdChoice, an
Although school choice advocates see Cruz's amendment as a victory, they said it doesn't do enough to expand choice to families of all income levels.
"
Steinhauser, an influential voice for school choice at the Texas Capitol, said that so-called education savings accounts -- accounts with public money for private school expenses -- are better suited to moderate- and low-income families. Senate Bill 3 by state Sen.
However, the proposal received push back from public school leaders and advocates because it would have redirected the per-student state money school districts receive to the savings accounts.
Public school advocates fear
the tax cuts in the bills would exacerbate funding woes that
The average
"Overall, both bills are bad for educators, most parents and other middle-income wage-earners because they are designed to provide more tax relief for the wealthiest Americans and corporations," said
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