FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 25, 2019
CONTACT: Logan Elizabeth Padgett
850-386-3131
JMI Applauds the Florida Senate for passing more school choice in Florida
Statement from William Mattox, Director of the J. Stanley Marshall Center for Educational Options at The James Madison Institute
Tallahassee- Today the Florida Senate passed a major school choice bill today that creates a new scholarship program for families with school-aged children. The Family Empowerment Scholarship will initially cover 18,000 students (the number currently on a waiting list to receive the Florida Tax Credit Scholarship). Funding for this new scholarship will come via the state’s public school finance program, much like Florida’s existing McKay Scholarship program for special needs children.
The bill now goes to the Florida House, where it is expected to pass easily. The adoption of this legislation represents a major victory for Governor Ron DeSantis, who has made school choice a top priority of his administration. It also represents a major victory for the thousands of “school choice moms” who gave DeSantis his margin of victory in the 2018 election.
“The James Madison Institute has long supported efforts to give Florida families access to scholarship programs so that all K-12 students can attend the school that best fits their unique needs and interests. Accordingly, we commend the Florida Senate — and especially bill sponsor Manny Diaz — for passing this historic school choice legislation. Thousands of needy families and students will benefit from this bold, innovative initiative.”
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