Excel National Commends Arizona Legislature for Expanding Choice Options

April 2, 2015

Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Mary Laura Bragg, National Legislative Director for Excellence in Education National (@Excel_National), issued the following statement in support of the recent effort to further expand Empowerment Scholarship Accounts. Senate Bill 1332, sponsored by Senator Carlyle Begay, would provide eligibility for Empowerment Scholarship Accounts to students who live on Native American reservations. Senate Bill 1332 passed the legislature today.

“As a teacher for almost a decade, I know that students learn in many different ways. Parents should have options to find the school that best meets the learning needs of their child. The expansion of the Empowerment Scholarship Accounts to students living on Native American reservations is another significant milestone for Arizona in providing all children with opportunities for a quality education and a bright future.

“We thank Senator Carlyle Begay for leading this effort and for his dedication to improving the education system for all Arizona students. We look forward to Governor Doug Ducey signing this important legislation.”

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Learn more about the Expansion of Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (SB 1332):

• Arizona was first in the country to adopt Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) for children with special needs; since that time the state has gradually increased eligibility to more families. Florida was the second state to adopt ESAs. Up to 20 states are considering similar legislation this year.
• Currently, students with special needs (including incoming kindergarteners and pre-K), students attending D and F schools, children of members of military, children in foster care and the siblings of otherwise eligible children are eligible to participate (roughly 20 percent of Arizona students).