Wilson Supports School Choice for Military Families
Washington, D.C.– In recognition of National School Choice Week, Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC) reintroduced the Military Child Educational Freedom Act. This legislation opens Coverdell Education Savings Accounts to those active-duty military families who wish to use the funds for homeschooling, regardless of the state in which they reside. The bill is supported by the South Carolina Superintendent for Education, Ellen Weaver, the Invest in Education Coalition, and the Home School Legal Defense Association (HSLDA).
"Because servicemembers are constantly being rotated among United States military installations, these frequent moves can sometimes negatively impact their children's education. As the average child in a military family moves six to nine times during his or her school career, many military families choose to homeschool. Unfortunately, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts, tax-free accounts that can be used for qualified education expenses, are not permitted to be used for homeschooling purposes. It is this reason I introduced the Military Child Educational Freedom Act to give our military personnel the option to use Coverdell accounts for homeschooling, if that is the best choice for their child," said Congressman Wilson.
"Parents and families deserve education freedom and the right to make the best decisions for their children. The Military Child Educational Freedom Act gives this fundamental right and financial support to the men and women who bravely serve our nation," said South Carolina Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver. "I commend Congressman Wilson for his efforts to equip and empower military families, as we push to ensure that every parent in South Carolina has the right to choose educational opportunities that are best suited for their children."
"Military families make great sacrifices in service to our nation, and Representative Wilson has been a leader in Congress to ensure their needs are addressed, including by this legislation," said Luke Messer, President of theInvest in Education Coalition and former Congressman from Indiana.
"HSLDA strongly supports Congressman Joe Wilson's legislation to support military families who homeschool their children. Our nation's war fighters make sacrifices on behalf of their fellow Americans every day. A growing number of them are also making the choice to homeschool; these families deserve the same financial break as their public and private school peers. The Military Child Educational Freedom Act expands the use of Coverdell Education Savings Accounts to military families who homeschool, making it easier for them to use more of their own money for educational expenses. HSLDA urges Congress to pass this commonsense bill and help our military families," said HSLDA.
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