Rep. Eric Burlison and Sen. Mike Lee Reintroduce Achieving Choice in Education Act During National School Choice Week

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative Eric Burlison (R-MO-07) and Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) reintroduced the Achieving Choice in Education Act, a bill to expand educational opportunities and provide families with greater tax-advantaged flexibility.

"Parents deserve the freedom to choose the best educational path for their children, and the Achieving Choice in Education Act empowers them by expanding 529 education savings accounts and encouraging states to embrace school choice policies," said Rep. Burlison. "We have seen firsthand in Southwest Missouri how school choice is transforming the lives of many young children, giving them opportunities to thrive in environments best suited to their unique needs.”

"It is the fundamental right of parents to choose the educational path that is most suitable for their children," said Sen. Lee. "The ACE Act ensures that our tax system reflects this principle and provides real support to those seeking alternatives to public schooling."

Key provisions of the ACE Act include:

• Expanded 529 Education Savings Plans: Increases qualified expenses to include tuition, materials, tutoring, and homeschooling costs, while raising the annual contribution limit from $10,000 to $20,000.
• Gift Tax Exclusions: Exempts contributions to 529 plans and education-related withdrawals from retirement accounts from gift taxes, up to $20,000 annually.
• Tax Incentives for School Choice: Adjusts the federal tax exclusion on state municipal bonds based on the level of school choice in each state, providing strong incentives for state-level education reforms.

The Achieving Choice in Education Act is structured for potential inclusion in budget reconciliation legislation, making it a viable path to achieving national school choice goals.
 

119th House Cosponsors (4): Reps Tracey Mann (KS-1), Andy Harris (MD-1), Randy Weber (TX-14) and John Carter (TX-31)

Supporting Organizations: 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, Association of Christian School International

Supporting Organizations Statements:

Heritage Action – Ryan Walker, Executive Vice President

“American families deserve the best education options available without financial barriers to access them. Expanding school choice provides students with an opportunity to break out of a ‘one-size-fits-all’ education system. The Achieving Choice in Education Act would incentivize states to give more American families the flexibility to educate their children according to their needs and values.”

Parents Defending Education Action – Nikki Neily, Executive Director

"Over the past several years, a growing number of parents have realized that the one-size-fits-all model provided by public schools doesn't meet their family's needs - be it because of concerns over quality, safety, or values. American students deserve to find educational options that work for them, and we are grateful that Rep. Burlison and Sen. Lee's ACE Act will make that path easier for families around the country."