Can Democrats Resist the Urge To Deny Families Choice in Education?

The article argues that recent Democratic gains could lead to renewed efforts to restrict school choice, especially in Texas and Arizona. It says education savings accounts give families a way to use some public education funding for alternatives, and contends that limiting them would reduce options for families who cannot afford private tuition.

Texas Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa has pledged to reverse the state’s new programme, which began this school year and has made more than 100,000 awards; typical accounts are worth about $10,500, rising to $30,000 for some pupils with special needs. Arizona’s programme has about 109,762 participants, and Governor Katie Hobbs has previously sought to repeal universal vouchers or impose income limits and tighter oversight. The article presents school choice as a largely partisan issue, while noting that some Democrats, including Cory Booker, have supported publicly funded charter schools.