American Federation for Children Lauds Oklahoma School Choice Expansion

Today, the Oklahoma House of Representatives gave final approval to Senate Bill 1080, which expands the Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship Act, by a 63-36 vote.  This program provides tax credits to individuals and businesses that donate to scholarship-granting organizations and to public schools which include charter schools.
SB 1080, which passed the Oklahoma Senate on Tuesday by a vote of 36-11, increases the amount of tax credits available for scholarship program donations from $3.5 million annually to $25 million per year. It raises the amount of tax credits available for donations to public schools from $1.5 million annually to $25 million.
Statement from Jennifer Carter, Oklahoma Senior Advisor for the American Federation for Children:
“Thanks to the bold leadership of Governor Kevin Stitt, Senate President Pro Tempore Greg Treat and Speaker of the House Charles McCall, SB 1080 is the largest expansion of a school choice tax credit program in the country so far this year and makes clear Oklahoma puts kids and their parents first. The Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship has helped many of the neediest children in Oklahoma, including homeless children and trauma survivors. This expansion means thousands of additional children will be able to access the school that best fits their needs and makes possible the opportunities they deserve. The overwhelming support received by SB 1080 in both chambers of the Legislature shows that Oklahoma lawmakers understand this program changes the trajectories of children’s lives for the better and benefits those children’s families for generations to come.”