Tallahassee, Fla. – Arizona lawmakers will consider an expansion of education choice for the state’s students and families with legislation that would give access to Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) to all public school students.

Senate Bill 1431, sponsored by Sen. Debbie Lesko with more than 25 co-sponsors, andHouse Bill 2394, sponsored by Rep. John Allen with seven co-sponsors as of today, would allow families from all backgrounds to pursue the right educational fit for their students’ unique needs.

“Arizona has one of the strongest school choice environments in the country. This proposal will not only expand access to more options for Arizona parents, but will continue the momentum state leaders have created to ensure every child reaches their full potential. I want to thank Senator Lesko, Representative Allen and so many others working to make sure every child in Arizona has the opportunity to find the education option that fits their unique needs.”  – J. Alex Kelly, ExcelinEd in Action National Legislative Director

The proposed legislation would grant program eligibility to all students entering first, sixth and ninth grades in the 2017-18 school year and add grade levels each year until all students in the state are eligible in the 2020-21 school year.

The bills also ensure academic accountability by requiring ESA students in grades three through 12 to annually take a nationally norm-referenced standardized assessment each year.

To learn more about ESAs, visit the Foundation for Excellence in Education’s School Choice Policy Library.