“During these difficult times, it is important for states to provide more opportunities for families of children with special needs to find educational services and supports that work for their child. It is disappointing that  Governor Gary Herbert is denying a powerful lifeline for parents to find the right education environment for their child with special needs. 

“Despite this setback, the momentum for educational choice in Utah is strong and growing. We remain hopeful that Utah legislators will continue to make empowering parents and students with educational opportunities a priority. 

“I commend the leadership of Representative Mike Schultz, Senator Lincoln Fillmore and the Utah Legislature, as well as our partners Sutherland Institute, Libertas Institute, SKAAGS Catholic Center and others for their commitment to prioritizing the educational needs of all students.” 

This legislation would have established a $6 million tax-credit scholarship program for students with special needs to receive support to cover educational services such as private school tuition, educational therapies, tutoring, online learning, textbooks and other education-related services and products. 

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For more information on the transformative power of education opportunity, visit ExcelinEd’s policy library. 

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“Providing students and their families the opportunity to find the best educational fit puts them in the driver’s seat of their education. Students with special needs deserve to have a customized education that includes the therapies and services they need to reach their potential and thrive. Expanding school choice will enhance the lives of Utah children, as well as provide families with more support.

“ExcelinEd in Action would like to thank the many leaders who have worked diligently to help Utah’s families, including the bill sponsor Representative Mike Schultz and our partners, including Sutherland Institute, Libertas Institute, SKAAGS Catholic Center and others.”

Brad Galbraith, Regional Legislative Director, ExcelinEd in Action

Utah families, like the Cizik family, are currently seeking scholarships to help customize their children’s education.

“I think a scholarship like this is very important, especially for a family like mine that has a child with unique needs. Being able to provide flexibility in her education is vital for her future growth. We know our children the best and we know what they need. If we had access to this scholarship, over the next ten years I could envision that my daughter would benefit by being able to live independently, or even attending college.”

Amy Cizik, Utah parent

The bill now heads to Governor Gary Herbert for further consideration.

For more information on the transformative power of education opportunity, visit ExcelinEd’s policy library.

The post Utah Legislature Passes Historic Legislation to Support Students with Special Needs appeared first on ExcelinEd in Action.

Private individuals or businesses who fund the scholarships would be eligible to receive a tax credit for the amount contributed. HB 332 also adds a provision to automatically increase the number of credits available to the program based on family and donor demand.

“Education is not one-size-fits-all. Regardless of income or where they live, families deserve the power to find the best educational fit for their children’s unique needs. When students thrive, the entire state benefits.

“ExcelinEd in Action would like to thank the many leaders who have worked diligently to help Utah’s families, including the bill sponsor Representative Mike Schultz and our partners, including Sutherland Institute, Libertas Institute and SKAAGS Catholic Center.”

Brad Galbraith, Regional Legislative Director, ExcelinEd in Action

The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.

For more information on the transformative power of education opportunity, visit ExcelinEd’s policy library and hear the stories of Utah families like the Cizik family and the Flamm family who are currently seeking scholarships to help customize their children’s education.

The post Utah House Creates Educational Scholarships for Students with Special Needs appeared first on ExcelinEd in Action.