Unlocking educational freedom: ECCA bill would empower millions of US families

Sixteen states now enjoy universal school choice programs, but a federal bill could bring educational freedom to millions of students nationwide.

Supporters of the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) gathered at Northland Christian School in Kansas City on April 24 to learn more about the proposed tax credit’s benefits.

The measure would generate $10 billion annually in private charitable donations to fund K-12 scholarships, granting scholarships to as many as 2 million students.

“You are the reason that we are here today,” said Anne Lesser of the Invest in Education Foundation, which led the event. “We believe that every child in America deserves access to a quality education regardless of their zip code.”

The measure, which is before Congress and could be passed through the budget reconciliation process, would grant school choice to students who don’t currently have it and bolster existing school choice programs. 

Chris Vas, scholarship director for the Herzog Tomorrow Foundation, said the bill would greatly expand the number of students served through Missouri Scholars, the state’s tax credit scholarship program.  

“Over the past three years, we’ve raised over $10 million and issued thousands of scholarships to low- and middle-income students and those with special needs,” Vas said. “Right here at Northland Christian School, where we scholarship over 40 students currently, if the ECCA were to pass, we would be able to scholarship an additional 150 students at the school.” 

The Herzog Foundation, which publishes The Lion, partners with thousands of schools across the country. Vas said he hears “daily about all the students who are trapped in failing schools and want an alternative. 

“No student should be trapped in a school that doesn’t fit their needs without a way out … When Congress and President Trump deliver educational freedom to the American people this year, our country will reach new heights.” 

AJ Kuhle, president of ACE Scholarships for Kansas and Missouri, said supply is struggling to keep up with demand for private school scholarships. 

“We’ve seen firsthand how tax credit programs can transform lives, but what keeps me up at night, the demand for educational choice is exploding,” Kuhle said. “Parents are desperately seeking better options for their children and the ECCA could be that answer. 

“Our research shows that improving education eliminates public assistance, it increases lifetime earnings, it reduces crime and strengthens communities. As we say at ACE, changing education changes everything. This isn’t just about education, it’s about transforming lives and communities for generations to come.” 

Nolan Henderson, a former teacher from Lawrence, Kansas, shared how an ACE scholarship helped him put his son, Grit, in a Catholic private school that met his specific needs. 

“As a teacher, I recognize that a one-size-fits-all approach to learning is never going to be ideal,” he said. “And as a parent, I can testify that being empowered to put my son in a place where he will thrive is life changing.” 

Adam Timmerman, district director for U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Missouri, gave remarks before showing a video of support from the senator, who actively supports the legislation. 

“We truly believe that every student in America should have access to quality education regardless of their zip code, and that the ECCA is that avenue,” Timmerman said. “We have an administration that can get this done. We have a Congress that can get this done, and it’s time that parents and children are put first and that quality education is given to all.” 

Lesser thanked Schmitt and the state’s congressional delegation, including Rep. Jason Smith, R-Missouri, who advanced the ECCA through committee during the last Congress.  

“We know that school choice works and the ECCA will allow for thousands more families throughout the state of Missouri to choose what works best for them,” she said. “It’s time to empower parents and put kids first.”