Katie Britt supports President's order calling for the prioritization of school choice programs by directing federal funds to support educational freedom for families

February 18, 2025 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - In her compelling article for The Hill, U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) underscores the vital role of educational freedom in empowering families and unlocking children's potential. Drawing from her personal experience as a mother of two, Britt passionately advocated for universal educational choice, stressing that education should never be a one-size-fits-all solution.

Senator Britt's vision encompasses a diverse array of educational pathways, from traditional public schools to innovative virtual academies. Her unequivocal support for Senator Bill Cassidy's Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) highlights her commitment to legislative efforts that expand educational freedom. By co-sponsoring the ECCA in successive Congresses, Britt aims to ensure that every family, regardless of income, can choose the educational setting that best suits their child's needs.

"Expanding parental choice in education has always been good policy, and the need to do so has only grown over the past few years," Senator Britt wrote. "Existing data demonstrate that fourth- and eighth-grade reading scores remain below 2019 levels, despite the federal government adding nearly $200 billion above baseline K-12 education spending during COVID. It all goes to show that throwing money at this problem does not provide a coherent solution. We must move past an approach of carefree spending without an eye on results. Instead, our government should encourage greater parental control over children's education, empowering families to access the academic setting that best meets their kids' needs and has the greatest potential to improve opportunities."

Britt's argument is bolstered by data showing stagnant reading scores despite significant federal investment in K-12 education during the COVID-19 pandemic. She calls for a shift away from indiscriminate spending toward policies that enhance parental control and educational outcomes. The ECCA, she argues, would facilitate this shift by encouraging charitable donations for scholarships, thus broadening access to quality education for families across socioeconomic backgrounds.

"For millions of American families, the Educational Choice for Children Act would accomplish just that," wrote Britt. "When more parents from low-income to middle-class households have the freedom to choose their children's schools - the way higher-income parents can - they have the ability to shop around, finding the setting that checks all the boxes they see fit. Indeed, the numbers show this competitive effect from school choice increases accountability in both private and public education, leading to higher test scores, safer schools and more satisfied parents."

This legislative push aligns with President Trump's executive order aimed at expanding educational freedom, further emphasizing the growing national prioritization of school choice. Through these combined efforts, Britt envisions a future where educational freedom leads to higher test scores, safer schools, and more satisfied parents, ultimately reshaping the landscape of American education.

To read Senator Britt's full column:

https://thehill.com/opinion/5129430-universal-educational-choice/

Brandon Moseley contributed to this report.