Another hurdle overcome: ND school choice bill gets thumbs-up

An Education Savings Account (ESA) bill got a thumbs-up from the North Dakota Senate Education Committee this week with a “Do Pass” recommendation.

H.B. 1540 allows parents to direct a portion of the education dollars allocated by the state for their child toward a variety of educational services — from tutoring to special education services and therapy to nonpublic school tuition.

Gov. Kelly Armstrong supports ESAs, describing them as a way to “ensur[e] every student has the tools they need to prepare for college, a career or the military.” His budget proposal set aside $44.3 million for ESAs. H.B. 1540 is funded by an appropriation of $40 million from the North Dakota general fund.

While the House bill still faces a few additional hurdles before heading to Gov. Armstrong’s desk for a signature, it is one step closer to providing North Dakota students and families expanded access to alternative learning environments and educational resources.

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How would $4,100 change your child’s education experience? Take 30 seconds to let your senator know that it’s time for North Dakota to join the numerous states across the country bringing flexibility and innovation to their education systems. They need to hear from you!