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Legislative News
Often, the quality education options available to a child are limited by their zip code or family income. Ohio has, at least partially, addressed the zip code issue by offering the EdChoice Scholarship Program to children who attend the state's lowest-rated schools. Unfortunately, outside of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, there is still no program available for students whose options are limited by income.
Just because a school is not among the lowest 5% in the state does not mean that it is the right fit for every child. Students whose families can't afford to move to the school district of their choice or pay private school tuition still deserve to have a choice.
Proposed Income-Based Scholarship Program
Governor Kasich recently proposed the creation of a new income-based scholarship program. The new scholarship would help more Ohio families send their children to the participating private school of their choice. The scholarship program would begin this fall for students entering kindergarten and grow every year.
Scholarships
The income-based scholarships would be worth $4,250 and would follow students through high school. There would be 2,000 scholarships available to incoming kindergarteners in the first year of the program starting in Fall 2013. For Fall 2014, 4,000 scholarships would be available to kindergarteners and first graders.
Eligibility
Ohio families whose income is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level would be eligible for an income-based scholarship.
2012 Federal Poverty Guidelines
Household Size |
200 Percent |
1 |
$22,340 |
2 |
$30,260 |
3 |
$38,180 |
4 |
$46,100 |
5 |
$54,020 |
6 |
$61,940 |
7 |
$69,860 |
8 |
$77,780 |
For Each Additional |
add $7,920 |
Scholarship recipients could continue to renew their scholarship even if their family's income rises. Their family income simply would have to be at or below the level when they first use the scholarship.
What's next?
The Ohio's House of Representatives recently voted on the income-based scholarship proposal, and we are happy to say that they passed it! Next, the proposal will move on to the Senate. It must now receive approval from the Senate before it goes to the governor's desk to be signed into law.
Showing support
School Choice Ohio is so excited about the possibility of an income-based scholarship. It's still an idea, but could lead Ohio to become the first state to ever have scholarships based on income, zip code and disability for its students.
We are going to need your help to spread the word and show support to ensure that this scholarship gets passed. Contact us today for ways you can get involved!
Contact Your Legislators
If you want to see that school choice expansion bills are enacted by the Ohio Legislature, contact your representative and senator today, and tell them to support expanded school choice in Ohio. Use the locator below to find your state senator and representative.
The Time for Action is Now
Are you interested in learning more? Contact School Choice Ohio at 614-223-1555 or complete the form below.