AFC Applauds Gov. Ducey for Signing Bill Giving Sweeping School Choice to All Arizona Kids

The American Federation for Children (AFC), the nation’s voice for educational choice, praises Governor Doug Ducey for signing SB1431 within hours of the legislation passing both the House and Senate yesterday. Now all Arizona children will, over the course of four years, become eligible to apply for the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program that allows education dollars to follow each individual child to the school or learning environment they need.

Statement from Bill Oberndorf, Chairman of the American Federation for Children:

“AFC is thankful that, with his signature, Gov. Doug Ducey has handed every parent in Arizona the ability to truly customize their own child’s education. We commend Gov. Ducey for his leadership and his insistence that the program offer more help to low-income families, while also adding both academic and financial accountability. No longer will students be trapped in any one school as parents will have greater opportunities to seek the best education for their children.”
  
Statement from Governor Doug Ducey:

“The quality of a child’s education should not be determined by what neighborhood their parents can afford to live in. Through Empowerment Scholarship Accounts, thousands of Arizona students have already benefited from an education that’s customized to their unique needs and circumstances. Today, we lead the nation again with a bill that’s fiscally responsible, improves accountability and transparency, and prioritizes low-income students and families. When parents have options, students win. I’m incredibly proud to sign this legislation to give all students in Arizona, no matter where they live or what their circumstances are, an education that’s best for them.”

The ESA program changes will take effect 90 days after the end of the legislative session.