Post-Election Insights: The State of School Choice in America
As the dust settles on the latest election, the State of Choice podcast dives into what the results mean for education policy across the country. In this episode, host Ed Tarnowski along with guests Katherine Schultz, Aaron Gillham, and Nathan Sanders unpack the election’s impact on school choice initiatives at the state level.
Texas: Poised to Lead the Nation in School Choice
Katherine Schultz kicked off the conversation with an analysis of Texas, where school choice advocates celebrated major victories. Governor Greg Abbott, a staunch supporter of educational freedom, endorsed a wave of successful candidates, underscoring growing support for parental empowerment.
A notable win came in South Texas, where a state Senate seat flipped from Democrat to Republican, introducing Senator Letitia Hossa, a dedicated school choice advocate. With approximately 6 million school-aged children, Texas is poised to launch one of the largest school choice programs in the nation. Katherine shared her optimism: “We are ready to rock and roll in Texas.”
Tennessee and Arizona: Building Momentum
Schultz also highlighted post-election developments in Tennessee, where Governor Bill Lee wasted no time introducing legislation to advance school choice. Similarly, Arizona’s results confirmed a likely Republican majority in both legislative chambers, bolstering support for the state’s Freedom Education Program.
These states are on the brink of transformative change, solidifying their commitment to expanding educational options for families.
Idaho: A New Frontier for School Choice
Building on the momentum seen in Tennessee and Arizona, Aaron Gillham explored similar opportunities for growth in Idaho, where recent legislative gains create new opportunities for school choice advocates. Champions of education freedom who prevailed in elections are gearing up to make another push for impactful policy changes. “Idaho has the chance to lead the way,” Gillham remarked, emphasizing the competitive advantage states can gain by prioritizing school choice.
However, Aaron also touched on setbacks, such as Nebraska voters’ decision to repeal a small, existing school choice program. This highlights the ongoing challenges in crafting ballot language that resonates with voters.
The Southeast: A Balancing Act
Nathan Sanders explored shifts in North and South Carolina. While North Carolina lost its supermajority of school choice supporters, South Carolina gained critical pro-choice seats in the Senate. These changes could shape the path forward for programs aimed at increasing educational freedom.
Missouri is also making waves. With Governor-elect Mike Kehoe’s vocal support for school choice, the state now has a real opportunity to implement a universal program in the near future.
New England: Combining Tradition with Innovation
The Northeast saw exciting outcomes, particularly in New Hampshire, where Republicans expanded their legislative majority. This surge paves the way for broadening the state’s Education Freedom Account program. Vermont, home to the nation’s oldest school choice initiative, also fortified its program against legislative threats by breaking Democratic supermajorities.
National Themes and Insights
Throughout the episode, several recurring themes emerged. One was the importance of precise language in ballot initiatives. As Katherine Schultz noted, “Words matter.” Public perception can vary significantly based on how programs are framed. Terms like “Education Savings Account” resonate better than “voucher,” for instance.
The conversation also touched on the need for championing success stories from families benefiting from school choice programs. Amplifying these voices is essential for securing public and legislative support.
Looking Ahead
The episode wrapped with reflections from the panelists on what’s next for school choice. Whether it’s collecting data from existing programs, refining legislation, or rallying new states to join the movement, the future is bright for education freedom.
As host Ed Tarnowski put it, “This election reaffirmed the power of federalism, and the impact states have as policy laboratories.”
Listen to the full episode of the State of Choice podcast for a deeper dive into these pivotal post-election insights. The 2024 elections are setting the stage for a new era of educational freedom. Join us on this journey—listen to the full podcast, engage with the discussion, and discover how you can help shape the future of choice in education.
