Austin News

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), along with Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Mich.), has introduced a resolution designating January 21st – January 27th, 2024, as National School Choice Week. This resolution aims to highlight the importance of providing every child with access to an exceptional education, regardless of their zip code, race, ethnicity, or socio-economic status.

Sen. Cruz, a long-time advocate for school choice, believes that it is the civil-rights issue of the 21st Century. In a statement, he said, "I firmly believe that school choice is the civil-rights issue of the 21st Century. Every single child deserves access to an exceptional education...I will continue to stand up for our students in Texas and across the country because building a stronger America starts in our K-12 classrooms."

The resolution has garnered support from several cosponsors, including Sens. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), and many others. The companion House resolution also has 50 cosponsors.

This is not the first time Sen. Cruz has championed school choice in the U.S. Senate. In 2017, he successfully got his Student Opportunity Amendment enacted into law as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This amendment expanded 529 College Savings Plans to include K-12 elementary and secondary school tuition for public, private, and religious schools.

Sen. Cruz has also been a strong advocate for his Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act, which aims to make quality schooling and workforce education more affordable for all Americans. Additionally, he introduced The Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act, which seeks to provide military families with the option to establish Military Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) to help fund their child's education and expand access to personalized, high-quality educational experiences.

Furthermore, Sen. Cruz has consistently fought for parental rights in education. In 2021, he introduced the END CRT Act, which aimed to address concerns about critical race theory being taught in schools. He also demanded that the Department of Justice not interfere with local school board meetings or threaten the use of federal law enforcement to deter parents' free speech.

The introduction of this resolution during National School Choice Week sends a strong message about the importance of empowering parents and students to make the best educational decisions for themselves. It highlights the ongoing efforts of Sen. Cruz, Sen. Scott, and Rep. Moolenaar to ensure that every child in America has access to a high-quality education.

As the resolution gains support from various lawmakers, it is clear that school choice continues to be a priority for many in Congress. The focus remains on providing equal educational opportunities for all children and promoting a stronger America through a robust K-12 education system.