Columbia Standard

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Congressman John Moolenaar (R-Mich.) have introduced a resolution designating January 21 through January 27, 2024, as National School Choice Week. The resolution aims to address the issue of millions of children lacking access to quality education due to their zip code.

Senator Scott stated, "It is unacceptable that today – in the United States of America – millions of kids who grew up just like I did still lack access to quality education simply because of their zip code. We cannot leave our kids’ education and the future of America’s children to chance. Instead, transforming our nation’s education system and ensuring every child has access to a quality education must be our call to action every single day."

Congressman Moolenaar added, "Students and their parents deserve the ability to choose the best education available to them. Unfortunately, some are trapped in a failing system where test scores in reading and math have fallen to the lowest levels in decades. America’s students must be able to pursue the educational opportunities that are best for them. My colleagues and I are proud to stand with them in introducing this legislation recognizing parental rights and school choice."

Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Ranking Member Dr. Bill Cassidy emphasized the importance of school choice, stating, "Children should have every opportunity to succeed in school, regardless of income or zip code. School choice provides this opportunity. This National School Choice Week, we celebrate parents’ ability to make the best educational decisions for their family."

The resolution has garnered support in the Senate, with numerous cosponsors including Senators Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), among others. In the House, the resolution has 50 cosponsors.

National School Choice Week aims to highlight the need for educational opportunities that are not limited by zip code or income. It promotes the idea that parents should have the ability to choose the best education for their children. The resolution introduced by Senator Scott and Congressman Moolenaar seeks to recognize the importance of parental rights and school choice.

Senator Scott will be actively participating in National School Choice Week through various events and initiatives. He has long been an advocate for providing all Americans with access to quality education.