STATEHOUSE (Feb. 19, 2021) – The Indiana House of Representatives on Tuesday supported legislation that would provide more families the freedom and flexibility to send their child to a school that best meets their needs, according to State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City).
"Students should learn in a setting that best suits them," Prescott said. "All families deserve opportunities to decide where their children are educated. Kids have different needs, and this flexibility will help our kids thrive in a learning environment that meets their unique needs."
The proposal would build on the 2011 law establishing Indiana's Choice Scholarship Program. In Indiana, education funding follows the child. Prescott said this enables students to attend a school that best meets their academic, medical or social needs, whether it's a traditional public school, public charter school, virtual school or nonpublic school.
The state's choice scholarship program helps students from low-income families attend an accredited nonpublic school, and the bill this year would eliminate financial barriers by providing 90 percent tuition support for every qualifying family and increasing the income threshold.
Under current law, students can apply for a choice scholarship and be eligible to receive up to 90 percent of their tuition funding to attend an accredited nonpublic school. Scholarship amounts are based on a family's income, so some could receive as low as 50 percent. According to Prescott, a family of four with an income of less than $70,000 may not currently qualify for a choice scholarship at all. Prescott said many families who do receive a partial scholarship may not be able to make up the rest of the cost.
"A family's zip code or income level should not dictate a child's success," Prescott said. "Indiana has already made great strides in supporting educational options for families, and this legislation is another step in the right direction."
The legislation would also establish the Indiana Education Scholarship Account, which would provide eligible families funding to directly pay for tuition or education-related expenses at an Indiana school. Education funding and payments are currently disbursed to schools by the state on behalf of families, and this legislation would put qualifying families in control of these funds, which would be monitored by the state treasurer's office. Eligible students would include those with disabilities, those with parents serving in the military and those in foster care.
House Bill 1005 can now be considered by the Indiana Senate. Visit iga.in.gov for more information and to watch legislative hearings online.
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State Rep. J.D. Prescott (R-Union City) represents House District 33, which
includes Jay and Randolph counties, and a portion of Delaware County.
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