The new law expands school choice and paves the way for education freedom for all Iowa families by fall of 2025
NAPLES, FL – Today, the Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) praises Governor Kim Reynolds (R-Iowa) for signing the “Students First Act” (House File 68), a new law to expand school choice to every Iowa family by the fall of 2025.
The legislation will provide scholarship accounts for parents to choose the best educational option for their children, providing up to $7,600 for families making up to 300 percent of the federal poverty level and fully phasing in to remove financial barriers over the next three fiscal years. It is estimated that more than 41,000 students will take advantage of the program by 2027.
“Under Governor Reynolds’s leadership, Iowa has relentlessly pursued reforms that expand freedom and opportunity for students, workers, and small businesses,” said Nick Adolphsen, FGA state government affairs director. “Education is the launching pad from which to achieve the American Dream and Iowa’s parents will now be able to choose the education option that works best for their families and meets the needs of their kids. Governor Reynolds is ensuring a bright future for the Hawkeye State.”
“For the first time, we will fund students instead of a system, a decisive step in ensuring that every child in Iowa can receive the best education possible,” said Gov. Reynolds after the legislature passed the bill. “Parents, not the government, can now choose the education setting best suited to their child regardless of their income or zip code. With this bill, Iowa has affirmed that educational freedom belongs to all, not just those who can afford it.”
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The Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) is a non-profit, multi-state think tank that promotes public policy solutions to create opportunities for every American to experience the American Dream. To learn more, visit TheFGA.org.