Senator Tim Scott Statement on Final Passage of Every Student Succeeds Act

Washington – U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-SC), a leading advocate for school choice in the United States Senate,issued the following statement after voting against the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) – the successor to No Child Left Behind:

“Since coming to the Senate, school choice has beenthe foundationof my Opportunity Agenda, asIbelieve we must give parents more options in determining the best educational path for their children. I firmly believe that when parents have a choice, kids have a better chance.

“While theEvery Student Succeeds Actis a good step forward, it does not include strong enough school choice provisions to provide our nation’s children with true access to the best education possible. Too many children, especially those living in poverty, continued to be denied access to a quality education simply because of their zip code and socioeconomic status. This cannot continue. Byembracing school choice andfundamentally reforming education, we can reduce poverty, strengthen communities and unleash our students’ true potential. “

Earlier this year, Senator Scott offered anamendment to allow Title I funds to follow low-income childrenand strengthen educational options for their parents. As a member of the Senate Education Committee, Senator Scott also introduced theCHOICE Actto provide more educational options for low-income communities, children with special needs and our military families. During his time in the Senate, he has highlighted the importance of school choice by hosting anational school choice conferenceon Capitol Hill and pushed for reauthorization of the successful Washington D.C.Opportunity Scholarship Program.