Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act of 2025
Impact
If enacted, SB1244 would enable parents to apply for MESAs, which could provide up to $6,000 per child in the first year, with subsequent year amounts indexed to inflation. These funds could be utilized for a wide range of educational-related expenditures, including private schooling, tutoring, and educational materials. The bill serves as a financial support mechanism for military families as they navigate the unique challenges of education, particularly with frequent relocations and transitions that can disrupt their children's learning.
Summary
SB1244, also known as the Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act of 2025, proposes to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. The bill aims to create Military Education Savings Accounts (MESAs) for parents of eligible military dependent children, allowing them to establish accounts with funds designated for the child’s educational expenses. The Secretary of Education, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, is tasked to implement this program, which will include establishing a process for account applications and fund usage.
Contention
Some points of contention surrounding SB1244 may arise around the bill's implications for public schooling and local educational governance. Critics could argue that by promoting alternative educational funding through MESAs, the bill risks diverting necessary resources from public schools. Advocates for traditional public education may express concerns that this shift undermines public education systems and could lead to inequality in educational access for military families who might choose not to use these accounts.
Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to establish a program to provide children with parents on active duty in the uniformed services with funds to pay educational expenses. Specifically, ED must establish a tax-exempt Military Education Savings Account for dependent children of parents in the uniformed services for the payment of the children's educational expenses. Funds in the savings account may be used for specified purposes, including the cost of attendance at a private elementary or secondary school or institution of higher education, private tutoring, or costs associated with an apprenticeship or other vocational training program.
Education Savings Accounts for Military Families Act of 2023 This bill directs the Department of Education (ED) to establish a program to provide children with parents on active duty in the uniformed services with funds to pay educational expenses. Specifically, ED must establish a tax-exempt Military Education Savings Account for dependent children of parents in the uniformed services for the payment of the children's educational expenses. Funds in the savings account may be used for specified purposes, including the cost of attendance at a private elementary or secondary school or institution of higher education, private tutoring, or costs associated with an apprenticeship or other vocational training program.
To direct the Secretary of Defense, in consultation the heads of certain agencies and organizations, to conduct a study on the health effects of indoor residential mold growth in covered military housing, and for other purposes.