Us Congress Senate Bill SB105

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/23
• Refer: 1/26/23

Caption

Children Have Opportunities in Classrooms Everywhere Act

Impact

One of the significant impacts of SB105 would be on how education funds are allocated. By allowing funds to follow individual students, the bill has the potential to enhance educational quality and access, particularly for low-income households. This measure is designed to give parents greater choice in their children's education, empowering them to select schools that best meet their needs without being constrained by the limitations of local public school districts. As a result, public schools may feel competitive pressure to improve their offerings if they want to retain students and the associated funding.

Summary

SB105, also known as the Children Have Opportunities in Classrooms Everywhere Act, aims to reform the distribution of federal education funds by ensuring that funding follows students rather than being allocated strictly to public schools. This legislative proposal introduces a mechanism under which grant funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act would be directed to public schools that eligible children attend or used for educational expenses associated with their enrollment in private or home schools. The bill defines 'eligible children' as those from households with income not exceeding 130% of the poverty level, which grants them access to additional educational resources and opportunities.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, SB105 has raised concerns among various stakeholders, particularly regarding its implications for public education. Critics argue that diverting funds to private and home schooling could undermine public school systems, particularly those that rely heavily on federal funding. There are fears that this could exacerbate inequalities in education, as families with more resources may have greater access to private school options, effectively creating a two-tier system. Additionally, the bill's reliance on 529 educational savings plans for funding raises questions about the accessibility of these accounts for lower-income families, potentially limiting the act's intended benefits.