Posted on by Californiacontrarian

A Letter to My Senators

Dear Senators Harris and Feinstein,
I know that the Democratic Party has always stood up for the downtrodden and the less fortunate in our society, and with that in mind, I am confident that you will be voting for the Education Freedom Scholarship (EFS) bill, being proposed by Sen. Cruz (R,Tx) and Rep. Byrne (R, AL). If you are not familiar with EFS, let me bring you up to date. 

The following is from the U.S. Department of Education’s website:

“The policy will make a historic investment in America’s students, injecting up to $5 billion yearly into locally controlled scholarship programs that empower students to choose the learning environment and style that best meets their unique needs. The policy would not rely on any funds currently allocated to public education, nor would it create a new federal education program. Participation would be voluntary for students, schools, and states.”

Obviously the State of California has had its disagreements with the Trump administration, but here is a chance for California to take advantage of a new program which will benefit mainly those minority students that are presently trapped in failing inner city schools.

Again from the website: “EFS will be funded through taxpayers’ voluntary contributions to state-identified Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). Those taxpayers will then receive a non-refundable, dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit. EFS will not create a new federal education program but instead will allow states to decide whether to participate and how to select eligible students, education providers, and allowable education expenses.”

To no one’s surprise, EFS has the backing of the Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos who said, “I believe every student in America deserves the opportunity to pursue the education that best meets his or her needs. No student should feel stuck in a school that just isn’t working for them, or feel hopeless because they live on the ‘wrong’ side of town. Education Freedom Scholarships will finally give students the opportunity to learn in places and grow in ways that have too often been denied to them.”

 I realize that for the last two years the Democrats in the U.S. Senate have for the most part opposed just about anything that has had the backing of the Senate Republicans, but I am confident that you will agree with the Secretary of Education and will recognize the benefits of EFS for those children who have been denied a chance at a good education because of partisan past political bickering.

I want to extend my thanks to you both in anticipation of your future presumed enthusiastic commitment to the education of the unfortunate children who are presently denied access to quality education, especially in your home state.


Sincerely,

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