On August 25, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon made the trip to our very own East Valley Institute of Technology to tour the campus and learn about the more than 50 CTE programs the school has to offer. She also concluded the visit with a press conference where she talked about a new program in the making, the Education Freedom Tax Credit, which has not currently been approved by the state.
As listed by Mrs. McMahon, this program will provide:
- Scholarships
- Tutoring
- After school support
- Services for students with disabilities
These benefits would apply to any U.S. citizen, whether they be in private, public or homeschool.
McMahon goes on to say that historically, “few states have demonstrated the power of choice more than the state of Arizona.”
In fact, Arizona created the very first Tax Credit Scholarship program in the Nation, which gives people access to opportunities very much like those offered under the Education Freedom Tax Credit program. And in 2011, Arizona created Education Scholarship Accounts, (AKA ESA funds) and was the first state to make them universally available in 2022.
And now, McMahon states, “Arizona has led the education freedom movement” and she hopes it will continue to lead.
She went on to say that “The legislation has done its part. Now it’s in Governor Hobbs’ hands.”
“The Education Freedom Tax Credit does not take a single dollar away from Arizona’s public schools, and doesn’t cost tax-payers a dime.” – McMahon
This gives parents the freedom to choose what the best educational path would be for their child, and gives the child, in turn, more opportunities to choose their future.
Also on the stage with Secretary McMahon were Congressman Andy Biggs, Arizona House Speaker Steve Montenegro, EVIT Superintendent Dr. Chad Wilson, and Maricopa County School Superintendent Shelli Boggs.
