Change has left the station and it isn’t slowing down anytime soon. This week, Florida became the latest state to pass a school choice program this year, making it the largest state in the country to now offer universal educational options to all families.
And it looks like Georgia may be right on their heels. Advocates on the ground have been advancing a smaller (yet vitally needed) school choice bill that would provide education savings accounts for families that are districted to schools that rank in the lowest 25% of the state’s school rating system.
The bill has faced tough opposition from teachers’ unions, which are desperate to maintain their monopoly power over the nation’s education system. Democrats, who receive a great deal of the funds teachers’ unions wield, have rallied to their defense—despite the fact that many of their constituents are desperate for programs that would help rescue their kids from failing government schools. (And in spite of the fact that many of these same Democrats hypocritically send their own kids to private schools. They just don’t think you plebs should have the same options!)
"Ga. State Rep. Lydia Glaize Brags About Her Kids Graduating ‘from Private Schools’ While Opposing School Choice"
State Leg Democrats in Georgia…. not the brightest. https://t.co/Ev8KmZ3d2W
— Matt Braynard (@MattBraynard) March 22, 2023
But the bill got some extra support from Governor Brian Kemp this week, who made his stance on the legislation known.
BREAKING: Georgia Governor Brian Kemp comes out in support of a bill to fund students instead of systems. pic.twitter.com/7lyDZ3OfWv
— Corey A. DeAngelis, school choice evangelist (@DeAngelisCorey) March 27, 2023
On the Erick Erickson show, Kemp said, “I think they passed a good bill out of the senate. I’ve been a strong supporter of school choice over the years.” He continued, “I’m hopeful we can get this over the finish line.”
We should know this week how the chips will fall, but let’s hope the momentum from Georgia’s neighboring state pushes the ball the rest of the way down field.
Disclaimer: Hannah is a consultant for Americans For Prosperity which works on these issues.