I am not being hyperbolic when I say that this is the most backward, regressive bill I have ever had the misfortune of reading. House Bill 610 effectively seeks to dismantle the education system in this country. I’ll let you read the text yourself:
Choices in Education Act of 2017
This bill repeals the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 and limits the authority of the Department of Education (ED) such that ED is authorized only to award block grants to qualified states.
The bill establishes an education voucher program, through which each state shall distribute block grant funds among local educational agencies (LEAs) based on the number of eligible children within each LEA’s geographical area. From these amounts, each LEA shall: (1) distribute a portion of funds to parents who elect to enroll their child in a private school or to home-school their child, and (2) do so in a manner that ensures that such payments will be used for appropriate educational expenses.
To be eligible to receive a block grant, a state must: (1) comply with education voucher program requirements, and (2) make it lawful for parents of an eligible child to elect to enroll their child in any public or private elementary or secondary school in the state or to home-school their child.
No Hungry Kids Act
The bill repeals a specified rule that established certain nutrition standards for the national school lunch and breakfast programs. (In general, the rule requires schools to increase the availability of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or fat free milk in school meals; reduce the levels of sodium, saturated fat, and trans fat in school meals; and meet children’s nutritional needs within their caloric requirements.)
I have no words to express the depth of my disappointment in our government at this point.
It has been shown that children that go to private schools on vouchers do worse than a similar cohort that continues in public education. here and here and here
Now is the time to take action. A well educated electorate and workforce is critical to the success of our nation. This impacts everyone’s future, whether you have children or not. You need to call your representatives now. Remember that this government is supposed to represent our wishes. They serve at our pleasure; we can change that if they are not voting in line with the demands of their constituency..
You can find information about your representatives here
The Blog of David 