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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND) joined Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) in introducing the Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act, legislation to expand elementary, secondary, and vocational education opportunities for students by providing a federal tax credit to encourage individuals and businesses to donate to nonprofit scholarship funds.

“Every child in America deserves a high-quality education,” said Senator Cramer. “The Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act opens more doors for students, allowing them to pursue an education through private schools, community colleges, or apprenticeship programs they would not otherwise be able to afford. Our bill would improve the education system and create a more properly trained workforce.”

The Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act:

  • Is Optional for States: State participation is optional – an issue important to prevent extending federal control over education.
  • State Directed: States maintain the authority to create a program that works for them. States can decide which students are eligible for the scholarship credit, what constitutes eligible educational expenses and eligible educational providers, and more.
  • Encourages Workplace Training Education: This bill allows for scholarships related to career and technical education, apprenticeships, certifications, and other forms of workforce training for postsecondary students.
  • Prohibits Federal Control of Education: Clarifies that nothing in this act shall be construed to permit, allow, encourage, or authorize any increased regulation or control over any aspect of a participating educational provider, scholarship granting organization, or workforce training organization. This allows all education providers to be able to participate, without fear of federal control.
  • Helps Our Most Vulnerable Students: Many low and middle-income students cannot afford tuition and educational expenses themselves, or do not have the means to pay for the workforce training needed to secure a stable, high-paying job. This tax credit will provide scholarships for these students, so that they can have the opportunity to receive an effective and successful education that prepares them for the future.

Learn more here.

Senators Cramer and Cruz are joined on the bill by Senators Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and James Lankford (R-OK). Representative Burgess Owens (R-UT) introduced the companion bill in the House of Representatives.