August 3, 2022
Dear Senators,
Independent Women’s Voice, which fights to enhance people’s freedom, opportunities and well-being, supports the Raising Expectations with Child Opportunity Vouchers for Educational Recovery. (RECOVER Act), introduced by Senator Tim Scott. This bill helps students who find themselves in the midst of the current learning loss crisis in the U.S. by redirecting unobligated education funds under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) straight to parents.
Unfortunately, parental rights are being trampled by government officials and schools across the country. The RECOVER Act attempts to help right the ship by making parents, rather than school districts, the direct recipients of remaining ARP funds. This will empower parents, who know their children better than anyone, to direct the education of their children and ultimately help America’s students recover and thrive.
Specifically, the RECOVER Act would establish Child Opportunity Scholarships which are defined as “direct financial assistance to the parent or guardian.” Importantly, the bill protects against federal regulatory overreach by making state and local education agencies responsible for deciding the method for delivering the funds directly to parents.
As students prepare to head back to school for the 2022-23 school year, we must remain vigilant to all threats that seek to undermine parents’ fundamental right to make decisions concerning the education and welfare of their children. One way to reestablish parental rights is to ensure that education funding follows and supports students.
We thank Senator Scott for his leadership on this important issue. IWV applauds this bill and urges all senators to work towards its swift passage.
Respectfully,
Ginny Gentles
Director
Education Freedom Center