Senator Scott Introduces Legislation to Expand School Choice

WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) introduced the High-Quality Charter Schools Act to expand school choice by implementing a tax credit for qualified charitable contributions to nonprofit charter school organizations.

In communities across the country, the demand for high-quality charter schools far exceeds the supply, due to the initial start-up cost of opening a new charter school, which can cost anywhere from $2 to $20 million. This legislation would establish a 75% federal tax credit for charitable contributions to nonprofit charter school organizations with a proven track record of excellence to fund the expansion of high-quality charter schools. 

“No matter their background, race or zip-code, every child deserves access to a good school. Millions of families—including thousands across South Carolina—choose charter schools for the high-quality education they provide. Building a stronger America starts in our classrooms, and the High-Quality Charter Schools Act invests in a future where every student has the keys to unlock the American Dream,” said Senator Scott. “President Trump is delivering on his commitment to putting families first—this is promises made, promises kept. Together with the Educational Choice for Children Act, this legislation brings parents, educators, and communities together in the fight to ensure every child has a fair shot at success.”

“Millions of parents whose children have been trapped in failing schools have reason for hope today, thanks to Senator Tim Scott,” said Eva Moskowitz, CEO and President, National Strategy and Advancement and the Founder of Success Academy, the country’s highest performing charter school network. “With the High-Quality Charter Schools Act and the Educational Choice for Children Act, Congress has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to put families first and deliver on the President’s promise of universal school choice. It’s hard to imagine a more meaningful policy than one that places parents, not bureaucrats, in charge; empowers American taxpayers, and unlocks private philanthropy to provide high quality schools for every kid that needs it.”

“We are grateful to Senator Scott and Congresswoman Tenney for championing school choice and recognizing the value of high-quality public charter schools,” said Starlee Coleman, President and CEO of the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. “By creating a tax credit to support the growth and expansion of charter schools with a proven track record of success, this legislation helps meet the overwhelming demand from families and ensures more students have access to great schools that meet their unique needs.”

BACKGROUND

As the co-chair of the Congressional School Choice Caucus and member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, Senator Scott is a leading advocate in transforming the nation’s education system and ensuring every student has access to a quality education.

Throughout his time in public service, Senator Scott has worked to broaden quality educational opportunities for all. Senator Scott led colleagues in introducing the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) to expand education freedom and opportunity for students.

Senator Scott recognizes the positive strides charter schools have made to shape education in South Carolina and around the nation, and help the next generation achieve their American Dream. To that end, Senator Scott introduced a resolution recognizing charter schools’ contributions to the academic landscape during National Charter Schools Week.

The full text of the High-Quality Charter Schools Act can be found here. 

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