Oklahoma Latest State to Create Universal Choice Program

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With Stitt’s signature, Oklahoma becomes sixth state to participate in Year of Universal Choice

Today, Governor Kevin Stitt signed the Oklahoma Parental Choice Tax Credit Act into law, giving every child in the state the opportunity to receive between $5,000 and $7,500 annually to attend a school that meets their needs.

The program allows families to receive a refundable tax credit to send their children to private school. Credit amounts are based on income, ranging from $5,000 to $7,500 and may be used on tuition and fees. Families who choose to homeschool are eligible to receive tax credits in the amount of $1,000 to cover approved educational expenses, such as tutoring and curriculum.

“Today, Oklahoma joins the growing chorus of states who are empowering all families through educational choice,” EdChoice President and CEO Robert Enlow said. “In 2022, our team predicted Oklahoma would be the most likely to succeed in creating a universal choice program for its students. We were right, and thanks to the dedication of local partners and bold policymakers, the educational landscape in Oklahoma is forever changed.”

Oklahoma joins Iowa, Utah, Arkansas, Florida, and Indiana in creating or expanding school choice programs in 2023 to all or nearly all students. While nine other states have similar programs, Oklahoma is the first state in the nation to enact a refundable tax credit with universal eligibility. This is the state’s third school choice program.

“This is a transformative time for education, where policymakers are empowering families like never before,” Enlow continued, noting that 2023 is the Year of Universal Choice. “Universal choice isn’t just a concept; it’s a beacon of hope, a catalyst for innovation, and a testament to an unwavering belief in the power of parents. State policymakers have moved forward boldly this year, united in their pursuit of educational freedom to ensure every child has access to an individualized, high-quality education.

To speak with Robert Enlow or an EdChoice scholar about the Oklahoma program, school choice trends and legislation, or existing educational choice programs across the country, contact Chantal Lovell at Chantal@edchoice.org, or 989-251-8388.

EdChoice is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to empower every family to choose the learning environment that fits their children’s needs best. Learn more at edchoice.org.

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Vice President of Communications

Chantal Fennell

Vice President of Communications

Chantal is the Vice President of Communications at EdChoice, where she directs the organization’s communications efforts, and manages its brand and public relations. Prior to joining the EdChoice team, Chantal served as the Director of Policy Advancement at the State Policy Network, where she worked with state-based organizations to advance policy reforms. Before that, Chantal worked as the communications manager at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy in Michigan, and as the Nevada Policy Research Institute’s communications director. Prior to beginning her career in the policy advocacy movement, Chantal was a journalist in California, where she received awards from the California Newspaper Publishers Association for investigative reporting, economic reporting, and features writing. During her time as a reporter, Chantal authored an exposé that resulted in the creation of one of the nation’s first-ever curriculum for high school students with high-functioning autism. Chantal was born and raised in Southern California, earned a Bachelors in Government from the University of Redlands and a Masters Political Science from the University of Nebraska.

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