Senator Ted Cruz pushes $10 billion federal plan to give families more control over US K-12 education – Times of India

Senator Ted Cruz is set to introduce new legislation titled the Universal School Choice Act, a sweeping federal proposal designed to expand access to K-12 education options across the US. The bill, which aims to provide $10 billion annually in federal tax credits, would incentivize individuals and businesses to donate to nonprofit organizations that grant scholarships for elementary and secondary students.The Texas Republican is positioning the legislation as a major step toward empowering parents and reshaping the national education landscape. In a statement shared by his office, Cruz described school choice as “the civil rights issue of the 21st century” and emphasized that “every child in America deserves access to a quality education that meets their individual needs.” As reported by the Texas Tribune, Cruz stated that he is “committed to leading this fight until universal school choice has become available to every American.”Bill would expand private and religious education optionsThe Universal School Choice Act would create significant financial incentives through federal tax credits. These credits, unlike deductions, reduce the amount of tax owed directly, making them a powerful tool for encouraging charitable donations. The bill sets aside $10 billion each year to support contributions to scholarship-granting organizations. These nonprofits would then distribute the funds to students for a range of educational expenses.According to details released by Cruz’s office and reported by the Texas Tribune, the scholarships could be used not only for tuition but also for books, tutoring, dual enrollment programs, and other school-related costs. This includes funding for students attending religious schools and those being homeschooled, though payments to family members of students would not be allowed under the bill.Part of a growing Republican push on educationSchool choice has increasingly become a central plank in the Republican education platform. GOP lawmakers have advocated for policies that emphasize parental control over education, especially regarding curriculum content, school closures, and religious inclusion in classrooms. This legislative push comes amid ongoing debates over topics such as LGBTQ+ rights, pandemic-era school policies, and the presence of controversial books in school libraries.As reported by the Texas Tribune, the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a conservative think tank based in Austin, has endorsed Cruz’s proposal. The group played a key role in the passage of a Texas voucher program earlier this year, after a prolonged battle in the state legislature. That program allows public funds to cover private school tuition, a policy that has drawn both praise and criticism.Critics of such programs argue that taxpayer funds should prioritize improvements in public education rather than being directed toward private or religious institutions. Nonetheless, Cruz and supporters of the bill maintain that it offers families the freedom to choose the educational path that best suits their children, regardless of income or location.