OHIO — There’s a piece of legislation moving through Congress that proposes a federal tax credit which would allow two million students around the nation to have access to the education of their choice.

What You Need To Know

• The legislation is called the Educational Choice for Children Act
  
  
• The money could be used for tuition, tutoring for learning loss, special needs services or education technology
  
  
• If passed, it would be funded by private dollars via businesses and individuals

President of the Ohio Education Association Scott DiMauro noted several similar bills have been introduced in years past. While it could help a good number, he said it does not help the 90% of kids who attend our public schools.

“I think there’s already plenty of opportunities that nonprofit organizations can support students in a variety of ways,” DiMauro said. “We have a very rich system of providing opportunities to students. But the focus of our society really needs to be first and foremost, on ensuring that those students attending our public schools have what they need to be successful.”

DiMauro said partnerships at all levels are needed.

“I think we have to have a fair tax system that ensures that all public services have what they need,” he said.

Even so, DiMauro believes the current conversation should center on providing resources, specifically in public schools, that serve all students.