SB 89 preserves EdChoice Eligibility for Families in Failing Schools While Expanding Income-Based Scholarship

COLUMBUS – Earlier today, Governor Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill 89. Sponsored by Senator Matt Huffman, SB 89 allows more families to access the EdChoice Scholarship. The following statement is from Citizens for Community Values President Aaron Baer:

“As government schools across Ohio refuse to open to serve children, the Ohio General Assembly and Governor DeWine have taken a significant step to provide more families with more educational options by enacting SB 89.

“No student should be stuck in a school that doesn’t meet their needs, and SB 89 will ensure more families can access a wide array of educational opportunities.

“School Choice is a winning issue in Ohio. It’s something that benefits all Ohioans across racial, religious, and economic lines. Children throughout the Buckeye State will have a brighter future because of Governor Mike DeWine, Senate President Larry Obhof, Speaker of the House Bob Cupp, Senator Matt Huffman, and all the members of the General Assembly who supported this important legislation.

“As we work towards a day where every family can access a scholarship to attend the school of their choice, SB 89 is another step in the right direction.”

ABOUT SB 89
With the passage of SB 89, an EdChoice district is determined by the number of students who reside in the district and generate Title I funds. If a public school district has at least 20% of students who generate Title I funds, then all students residing in that district are eligible with one exception: If the school they attend is in the top 80% of the Performance Index in the last two years, then that school building is exempted from EdChoice.

The bill also grandfathers in K-12 students who were eligible in the 19-20 school year, but for whatever reason did not take a scholarship. Likewise, EdChoice Expansion is increased to 250% from 200% of the Federal Poverty Level. Below are the Federal Poverty guidelines for gross household income.

Under this bill, the application window will move from February 1st to March 1st to be in line with the statutory bill effective date.

For more information, contact CCV at 513-733-5775 or info@ccv.org.

As Ohio’s Family Policy Council, Citizens for Community Values seeks the good of our neighbors throughout Ohio by advocating for public policy that reflects the truth of the Gospel. We endeavor to create an Ohio where God’s blessings of life, family, and religious freedom are treasured, respected, and protected.

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