Nevada Legislature Concludes Session with $20M Increase in Scholarship Funding Cap

The American Federation for Children, the nation’s voice for educational choice, released the following statement at the conclusion of the legislative session in Nevada.

Statement from Tommy Schultz, National Communications Director for the American Federation for Children:

“AFC would like to thank the Nevada Legislature for passing a $20 million one-time increase in funding for the Opportunity Tax Credit Scholarship Program, which allows students from low-to-moderate income families attend the school of their choice. This major expansion with broad bipartisan support will begin to meet the large demand from parents and children who are seeking educational options and opportunity.

“While we are extremely disappointed that there was no resolution on a new funding mechanism for the state’s education savings account (ESA) program, we are pleased the Nevada Legislature in a bipartisan vote remains supportive of school choice and parental empowerment.

“In September 2016, the Nevada Supreme Court ruled that ESAs are constitutional, and we are hopeful steps will be taken in the future to give Nevada students this innovative form of school choice.

“AFC would like to thank Governor Sandoval and the legislative leadership of Senator Scott Hammond and Senate Minority Leader Michael Roberson along with Assembly Minority Leader Paul Anderson in their tireless fight to fund the ESA program. Additionally, we are thankful for the support of the Laborers Union Local 872 membership, the Nevada Pastors Alliance for School Choice and Las Vegas Latin Chamber of Commerce in fighting for educational choice programs in the state.”

The Legislature passed SB 555, which allows an additional $20 million to be raised for the Nevada Opportunity Tax Credit Scholarship Program. Any unused cap during the 2017-18 school year will roll over until all the funds have been utilized to provide scholarships to students who meet income guidelines.

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