Next Generation of School Choice Proposed in Georgia

Agudath Israel of America welcomed the introduction of an Education Savings Account bill in the Georgia House of Representatives this week. Sponsored by State Representative Mark Hamilton (R-Cumming) and a group of bi-partisan co-sponsors, the bill aims to provide parents with the maximum amount of flexibility when it comes to the education of their child.

House Bill 243 would allow parents who opt out of the public school system to receive the funds the district would have spent on that child. The funds would be deposited in a bank account which parents could access to educate their child. Funds could be used for a wide range of approved educational expenses including private school tuition and tutoring, or be saved for college expenses. To be eligible, students must have attended a Georgia public school the previous year or be entering kindergarten or first grade. The bill will be heard in the House Education Committee in the upcoming weeks.