Republican senators introduce bill to create education saving accounts for military families

Republican Sens. Ted Cruz of Texas and Jim Banks of Indiana on Tuesday introduced a bill that is aimed at giving military families more control over their children's education by creating an optional education savings account.

The legislation would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, and would allow military families to opt into a savings account that would provide $6,000 annually per child to fund personalized learning options outside of public schools, the Daily Signal reported.

The bill would only be offered to families with a parent in the uniformed services, which excludes activated national guard members. In order to qualify, the child would have to have been enrolled in a public school for at least 100 consecutive days in the year prior to the savings account.

“School choice is the civil rights issue of the 21st century, and parents should never have to choose between serving their country and ensuring that their children have access to a quality education," Cruz said in a statement. "This legislation will ensure that military families are empowered to choose and secure the right education for their children." 

The legislation states that the funds can be used on a variety of things, including tuition for private schools, private tutoring, and online programs. Unused amounts would roll-over each year, and unused amounts after high school can be used for college or other training purposes.

“This bill supports military readiness by helping attract and retain top talent, ensuring service members don’t have to sacrifice their children’s education," Banks said. "Proud to partner with Senator Cruz on this commonsense bill.”

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.