In remarks at the start of the 2021 legislative session earlier today, Senate President Wilton Simpson, R-Trilby, stressed the crucial role of school choice programs and the right of every family to make appropriate educational decisions for their children, regardless of their income level.
Here are Simpson’s remarks:
Most parents across our state are dedicated and hardworking and would do anything to give their children a better life then they had.
That’s why over the last two decades Floridians have embraced school choice programs. The problem is right now we have a pretty confusing system with various eligibility and funding mechanisms. The ongoing pandemic has even further highlighted the important responsibility of every parent to choose the best learning environment for their child.
With well over 100,000 students currently using the variety of scholarship programs we have available, it’s about time we streamlined eligibility and funding so that parents have a clear idea of their options.
The fact is, school choice has always existed for wealthy families. I believe this option should be available to every family. It is the only way to truly break the cycle of generational poverty. I’m pleased to see Senator Diaz leading this effort.
