Rep. Burlison Introduces the Achieving Choice in Education Act

WASHINGTON- Today, Congressman Eric Burlison (MO-07) introduced the Achieving Choice in Education Act which would increase options for parents and encourage states to implement school choice policies. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) is introducing the Senate companion to the bill.

“Across the country, and especially in Southwest Missouri, school choice is already benefitting many of our nation’s young children.” said Rep. Burlison.

“Through 529 education saving accounts, families are freed from the arbitrary link between where they live and which school their child can attend.”

“School choice makes institutions of education more accountable and responsive to families. This leads to higher graduation rates and increases parental satisfaction and involvement while saving taxpayer dollars.”

The Achieving Choice in Education Act modifies the definition of “qualified higher education expense” to allow 529 savings accounts to be used for tuition, books, curriculum materials, online education resources, tutoring fees, standardized tests, dual enrollment in higher education,  and private and home school expenses.

The bill doubles the contribution limit on K-12 expenses with 529 accounts from $10,000 to $20,000 a year and excludes those contributions from “gift tax” calculations up to $20,000 to meet the new withdrawal limit.

Additionally, the Achieving Choice in Education Act gives states strong incentives to pass school choice policies through a 2-tier system impacting the tax-exemption status of municipal bonds.

Click here to read the bill text.

A one-pager with additional details can be found here.

Cosponsors (5): Reps. John Carter (TX-31)*, Doug LaMalfa (CA-1), Ralph Norman (SC-5), Andy Webber (TX-14), Tracey Mann (KS-01)

Senate Cosponsors (Led by Sen. Mike Lee): Senators Tim Scott (SC)*, Cindy Hyde-Smith (MS), Mike Braun (IN), Eric Schmitt (MO), Ted Budd (NC)

Groups Supporting: Heritage Action for America, Foundation for Government Accountability, Parents Defending Education Action, Concerned Women for America Legislative Action Committee, American Association of Christian Schools, Home School Legal Defense Association