Led by Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI), 28 Democrats have signed onto the Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act –a bill that would repeal the portion of HR 1 that allows tax credits for contributions to scholarship granting organizations and the associated income exclusion from federal tax. In announcing the bill, Senator Kelly cited his own state as a cautionary tale, explaining that voucher initiatives harm budgets and only benefit certain families. According to Sen. Kelly and public reports, the state-funded Arizona Empowerment Scholarship Account used $10 million on banned purchases that included gift cards and luxury hotel stays; and the program has led to declining public-school enrollment and school closures. 163 national and state organizations have endorsed the Senate bill.
IDEA Determination Letters Show States in Need of Intervention
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) has released determination letters on state implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Parts B and C. States participating in Part B, which serves individuals age 3-21, and Part C, which serves...

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