The year 2015 was arguably the best year ever for school choice, with 15 states creating or expanding school choice programs. So what’s in store for 2016? Here’s a snapshot of a few states where action is expected.
Washington, D.C.
The only federally-funded school choice program is set to expire at the end of September. The city’s Opportunity Scholarship Program provides private school tuition for more than 1,500 students. Advocates had hoped to see funding included in the December bill that kept the government open, but had no such luck. A bill that would extend the program passed the House in October and should see action in the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee soon.
Washington
In September, the Washington State Supreme Court ruled the state’s voter-approved law authorizing public charter schools illegal. Now the nine schools serving roughly 1,400 students that opened before the ruling are struggling to remain open. The schools found enough funding to operate for the rest of the year. Beyond then, the schools will either have to find private funding or hope the legislature passes a new law that complies with the court’s ruling.
Nevada
Nevada’s landmark education savings account program allows nearly every student in the state to receive almost all of their government education funding in a personal account that can be used on a number of educational options, including tutors or private school tuition. The program was passed into law in 2015 and families began to file applications in the fall. The program will begin functioning in the spring, but first there are a couple of legal hurdles to overcome. Two lawsuits have been filed to challenge the program’s constitutionality, but neither has led to an injunction.
Maryland
In 2015, there was a staunch effort to create a tax credit for businesses donating to nonprofit organizations that give scholarships for private school tuition. That effort ultimately failed, but expect there to be a bipartisan push for the tax credit again in 2016. “I am more committed than ever to ensuring its successful passage,” said State Senator Ed DeGrange, a Democrat. Sixteen states currently have a similar tax credit. There are similar efforts underway in South Dakota, Texas and other states.
By no means is this a comprehensive list of where action might happen on school choice in 2016. Public opinion seems to be in favor of expanding school choice, but with special interests driving opposition in courts and legislatures, it’s an open question whether school choice will be expanded or limited in 2016.
Jason Russell is a commentary writer for the Washington Examiner.
