AFC-OK STATEMENT FOLLOWING SCHOOL CHOICE RALLY AT OKLAHOMA CAPITOL

Parents, faith leaders, and Governor Kevin Stitt rallied at the Capitol today to urge lawmakers to pass some form of HB 1935, the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit Act. After the rally, American Federation for Children – Oklahoma Senior Advisor Jennifer Carter released the following statement:
 
“Thanks to the leadership of Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat, Speaker of the House Charles McCall, and Governor Kevin Stitt, Oklahoma is on the cusp of delivering major legislation to empower parents to choose the schools that are the best fit for their children. At this time, both the Oklahoma House and Senate have indicated their support for expanding educational options through their support for the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit Act. The respective versions that have advanced allow parents to claim significant tax credits to cover the cost of private school tuition, and somewhat smaller credits to help parents who choose homeschooling. The impact for parents and students should either of these bills pass will be life-changing for kids.

“In the strongest terms possible, American Federation for Children—Oklahoma urges lawmakers in both the House and the Senate to work together to pass some version of this legislation and send it to Governor Stitt for his signature. Oklahoma’s students cannot afford to wait any longer. Lawmakers must put students first and craft a policy that will ensure that every child in the state of Oklahoma has access to the school of their choice regardless of income or geography. We are heartened by the fact that they have successfully crafted these policies already and urge them to put internal divisions aside for the sake of the children who are relying on them.
 
“Legislators, as you’re contemplating these policies, I urge you to remember the faces of the families who have begged you to help change the trajectory of their kids’ lives and deliver a major victory for all Oklahomans.”