Range of Education Bills could increase educational choice

Last year, Minnesota’s Catholic Bishops issued a statement stressing the importance of access to adequate and appropriate educational opportunity for every child in the state. In their statement, Every Parent, Every Child, the Bishops call on policy makers to continue the state’s legacy of academic innovation by expanding the choices available to Minnesota families.

Specifically, the Bishops called for assistance to those who cannot access or afford private school tuition. “Historically, our state has led the nation in innovative educational choice through the development of programs like open enrollment and the development of charter schools. However, as the Catholic Bishops of Minnesota have pointed out, despite innovative educational initiatives, choice remains out of reach for countless families throughout Minnesota. The problem is not a lack of options, but a lack of access,” said Peter Noll, MN Catholic Conference Education Director.

Legislation introduced this session could significantly increase parental choice in education in Minnesota. Senate File 736, sponsored by Senator David Hann (R-Eden Prairie), and the companion legislation in the House, House File 697, sponsored by Representative Mark Buesgens (R-Jordan), would establish general education access grants for use by specified students. These grants would be used to cover the cost of tuition at accredited nonpublic schools. “Right now low- and moderate income families are restricted from the full array of options due to demographic limitations. The Bishops have long held that education is the foundation on which success is built and educational choice fuels that success. Our aim is not to criticize any option or system, but rather, to support ideas that benefit children and families. We believe that a funding model that permits parents to freely choose where their children attend school will shift the debate from a paradigm of funding systems to one that focuses squarely on the children,” said Noll.

Other initiatives that could help expand school choice options include House File 866/ Senate File 816 that would authorize an education tax credit for tuition expenses and Senate File 584 that would establish a tax credit for contributions to school tuition organizations providing tuition assistance to low-income students.

“As the Bishops have stated, children are our most precious gift and represent our great hope. By ensuring access to adequate and appropriate educational opportunities, particularly for families with limited options, we invest in our children and our society,” said Noll.

For further information visit www.mncc.org or call (651) 227-8777.