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Texas House Should Advance Educational Opportunities

For Immediate Release
July 25, 2017

Media Contact: Brian Faughnan, 703-678-4581 or Wadi Gaitan, 202-853-4463 

Texas House Should Advance Educational Opportunities 

(Austin, TX) – Yesterday, the Texas Senate approved SB2, which would give families more educational opportunities through a tax credit scholarship program for students with special needs, and offering the House the opportunity to begin advancing and approving education options for students across Texas.

Jorge A. Lima, Executive Director of The LIBRE Initiative, released the following statement:

“The American Dream for every parent is the hope of a better future for their children. That dream begins with access to a better education. This special session gives the Texas legislature another opportunity to fight for those who need it the most. Now that the Senate has done its part to advance the debate on educational opportunity, the House must act to empower families with more access to educational options.”  

Background:

Senate Bill 2 establishes a tax credit scholarship program in which insurance companies can contribute funds to non-profit education assistance organizations that provide financial assistance to students with special needs while receiving a tax credit for the funds contributed. Students with special needs will be able to use these scholarships for educations costs such as extra tutoring, specialized therapy, and tuition at accredited private schools.

This program will be largely limited to students who are eligible to participate in a school district’s special education program, are protected under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA),or those who fall under section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act. Any scholarship money awarded to a qualifying student would be spent at an accredited private school or for therapy at their assigned public school and would be subject to strict auditing by the state comptroller’s office.

For interviews with a representative from The LIBRE Initiative, please contact Brian Faughnan, 202-805-1581 or Wadi Gaitan, 202-853-4463

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