Senate Companion to Banks’ Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act Introduced
Washington,
March 12, 2018
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Sasse (R-NE) and Tim Scott (R-SC) have introduced the Senate companion to the Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act, legislation recently introduced by Congressman Jim Banks (IN-03). This legislation would provide military families with the option of establishing an education savings account (ESA). “Senators Sasse and Scott are both strong advocates for military families and understand the importance of providing parents who serve the ability to customize their child’s education to best fit their individual needs,” said Banks. “Those who serve our country in uniform make many personal sacrifices, but they should not have to sacrifice their child’s education.” “Our men and women in uniform know what sacrifice means, and so do their families,” said Sasse. “It’s too easy to forget that these are moms and dads trying to figure out how to best raise their kids. This bill lets parents customize their kids’ education, letting them find the opportunities that fit their family’s needs. All of us should want to make sure that the decision to defend our freedom doesn’t mean kids miss out on the best education options available. These men and women deserve our best and their kids do too.” Background: Over one-third of military parents say that dissatisfaction with their children’s schooling was a significant factor in their decision to remain in or leave the military. Currently, 80 percent of military connected youth are enrolled in local public schools, but 50 percent of military connected youth live in states with no school choice options. This legislation would amend Title VII of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to create an opt-in for military families to redirect a portion of their per pupil Impact Aid allocations into an education savings account (ESA) to pursue alternative educational opportunities. ESAs are parent-driven accounts that allow families to customize their children’s educational experiences. ### Interested members of the media may contact Andrea Palermo at andrea.palermo@mail.house.gov. |