Three states recently joined the ranks of others by passing universal school choice legislation, marking a significant shift in educational policy in the United States. Republican Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon, Idaho Gov. Brad Little, and Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee each signed bills expanding school choice programs to universal eligibility in their respective states. This move has paved the way for increased educational freedom and opportunities for students and families across these regions.
Expanding Educational Freedom in Wyoming
In Wyoming, Gov. Mark Gordon signed the Steamboat Legacy Scholarship Act into law, expanding a school choice program to universal eligibility. This act will provide $7,000 for students in non-public schools to be used for tuition or tutoring during the 2025-2026 school year. The bill sponsor, Rep. Ocean Andrew, hailed the signing of the bill as a “major victory for Wyoming families,” emphasizing the importance of parental choice in education. With this legislation, Wyoming families now have more options to tailor their children’s education to their specific needs and preferences.
Idaho recently followed suit by passing the Idaho Parental Choice Tax Credit, signed into law by Gov. Brad Little. This legislation offers up to $5,000 per student for qualified educational expenses, including tuition and enrollment fees. Gov. Little expressed pride in Idaho being the first state to provide education freedom from kindergarten through a student’s career. This program aims to expand schooling options for students and families, ensuring that education remains accessible and tailored to individual needs.
Rural Support for School Choice
The passage of universal school choice legislation in Tennessee, Idaho, and Wyoming reflects a broader trend of red states expanding education options for children. Lawmakers across these states are working to provide education savings accounts for all K-12 students, enabling families to access alternatives to traditional public schools such as charter schools, private schools, and homeschooling. Notably, these states have significant rural populations, where schools often face funding challenges due to low enrollment and limited resources.
Rural Republican lawmakers, who were once hesitant to support school choice measures, have now shifted their stance to back this policy. Corey DeAngelis, a senior fellow at the American Culture Project, noted that the momentum for education freedom should dispel the myth that rural voters are opposed to school choice. In fact, rural states like Idaho, Tennessee, and Wyoming are leading the school choice revolution, with each of these states ranked among the top 20 most rural states in the nation according to Census Bureau data.
Texas, another state grappling with school choice legislation, has seen progress in recent years. Gov. Greg Abbott announced that he now has enough votes to pass a school choice bill, overcoming challenges in unifying Republicans to support this initiative. Concerns have been raised about the potential impact of education savings accounts on public schools, particularly in rural districts where funding is critical. However, the growing support for school choice in various states signals a significant shift towards empowering parents and students in shaping their educational experiences.
In conclusion, the passage of universal school choice legislation in Wyoming, Idaho, Tennessee, and other states reflects a broader movement towards expanding educational opportunities and empowering families to make choices that best suit their needs. By prioritizing parental choice and educational freedom, these states are paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive educational landscape that caters to the unique needs of students and families across the nation.
