Congressional School Choice Caucus co-chairs, Senator Tim Scott (R-SC) and Congressman Paul Mitchell (R-MI) released the following joint statement on the declaration of National School Choice Week:

“One of the most valuable gifts we can leave to our children and next generation is the love of learning and education,” said Senator Scott. “A child’s zip code shouldn’t have any effect on his access to quality education whether it be public, private, charter, vocational, or homeschool. Fundamental pillars like independent thought and literacy can never be stolen from them. That is why it is essential that we open every avenue of opportunity for children across America to learn and succeed.”

“I was pleased to introduce a resolution in commemoration of National School Choice Week, which celebrates all varieties of school choice for students – from public schools to public charter schools, private schools, online learning, public magnet schools, homeschooling, and more,” said Rep. Mitchell. “It offers an opportunity for students, parents, and educators from around the country to come together to share the many successes of education options. Parents know what works best for their children, and we must continue working together to ensure that each student receives a quality education that will enable them to live a successful life.”

2019 also marks the 15th anniversary of the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program, which, as of January 2019, has awarded more than 8,400 scholarships. The Opportunity Scholarship Program provides Washington D.C. families K-12 private school scholarships allowing for parents to have the final say in their child’s education.

The Senate National School Choice Week Resolution is cosponsored by: Chairman Alexander (R-TN) and Sens. Perdue (R-GA), Gardner (R-CO), Tillis (R-NC), Boozman (R-AR), Feinstein (D-CA), Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Roberts (R-KS), Inhofe (R-OK), Burr (R-NC), Cruz (R-TX), Rubio (R-FL), Cornyn (R-TX), Cotton (R-AR), Young (R-IN), Toomey (R-PA), Graham (R-SC), Paul (R-KY), Wicker (R-MS), Isakson (R-GA), Johnson (R-WI), Daines (R-MT), Cassidy (R-LA), Enzi (R-WY), Blackburn (R-TN), Lankford (R-OK), Braun (R-IN), Romney (R-UT), Scott (R-FL) and Cramer (R-ND).