TAMPA, Fla. – Senator Ashley Moody (Fla.-R) joined local officials, parent groups, and school choice advocates in Tampa today to promote the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), federal legislation she has co-sponsored. The event, involving the Invest in Education Foundation, focused on how the proposed bill aims to empower parents nationwide by expanding educational options, complementing Florida’s existing robust school choice programs.
“Student needs, not zip codes, should drive opportunities for student success,” Senator Moody stated during the discussion. “The Educational Choice for Children Act empowers parents by supporting scholarships across the country. Ultimately, school choice can provide children in Florida and nationwide the brightest possible future.”
READ: Florida Investigation Leads To Arrest Of Accused Elderly Pop-Up Scammer In New York
The ECCA proposes a federal tax credit for private donations that fund scholarships for K-12 students. Organizers explained the bill is designed to avoid using direct federal funds; instead, individuals and businesses donating to designated scholarship-granting organizations would receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit. Proponents estimate the ECCA could help as many as two million students access educational alternatives, using scholarships for tuition, tutoring, special needs services, or educational technology.
Speakers highlighted that this federal initiative would build upon Florida’s extensive state-level school choice framework. In 2023, Governor Ron DeSantis signed a landmark bill making all K-12 students in Florida eligible for state-funded private school scholarships by removing previous financial eligibility requirements and enrollment caps.
The state also utilizes Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) that allow families to direct funds toward various approved educational expenses. The federal ECCA, advocates argued, would provide an additional layer of support and funding opportunities for families seeking options beyond their assigned public school.
READ: Florida Sen. Moody Slams FOIA Obstruction, Cites Lawsuits Against Biden Admin
Support for expanding parental choice was echoed by other Florida leaders. “We’re working each and every day to ensure our children get an education that best fits their needs and sets them up for success,” said Senator Rick Scott. “Whether it be a local public school, charter school, private or religious school, I’m a strong believer that every Floridian and American should have the choice.”
Representative Laurel Lee, also a co-sponsor of the ECCA, emphasized her commitment, stating, “As a mother, I understand the importance of wanting quality educational options for my children… School choice puts parents in the driver’s seat and empowers them to choose the best educational option for their children. This bill is crucial to help expand school choice for as many as two million students across all 50 states.”
Advocacy groups present shared strong endorsements and personal stories. “Every child deserves access to a high-quality education, no matter their zip code or income level,” said John Kirtley, Board Chair of Step Up for Students, a major scholarship funding organization in Florida.
READ: Florida Dealership Employee Arrested For $75,000 Theft Scheme: FDLE
Ashley Elliott, representing the American Federation for Children, shared a powerful personal testimony, attributing her ability to graduate high school and attend college, rather than potentially facing incarceration, to school choice programs like those the ECCA seeks to emulate nationally.
Hera Varmah of Step Up for Students added, “Nationwide school choice will allow all children across the country this same opportunity [that my parents gave me], and I hope to see this become a reality soon through the passage of the ECCA.”
Event organizers also cited recent polling data suggesting nearly three-quarters of voters favor school choice policies.
Anthony J. de Nicola, Chairman of the Board at the hosting Invest in Education Foundation, concluded, “The ECCA is legislation that would make a substantial impact on education access for students across the country… Increasing school choice access is the next step to empowering parents across the country… I am thankful for the incredible champions that are right here in Florida fighting for that every day.”
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
