The Time is Now: State House Members Introduce Backpack Bill Details

COLUMBUS, Ohio—State Representatives Marilyn John (R-Shelby) and Riordan McClain (R-Upper Sandusky), and Center for Christian Virtue (CCV) announced the introduction of a sub-bill to the CCV-backed Backpack Bill (House Bill 290).

CCV President Aaron Baer, CCV's Ohio Christian Education Network (OCEN) Executive Director Troy McIntosh, and local parents and students who will benefit from the bill joined the bill sponsors at the press conference.

"The Backpack Bill will empower parents to be the key decision-makers on what school will best meet the needs of their children," said OCEN Executive Director Troy McIntosh.

Introduced as a "Legislative Intent Bill" in May, the sub-bill contains new language based on the funding formula included in the state budget this past summer.

The Backpack Bill empowers families to choose the educational option that best meets their needs by ensuring that every child in the state is eligible for a scholarship to attend the K-12 school of his or her choice. 

"Parents, not government bureaucrats, know what's best for their kids," said Aaron Baer, President of CCV. "As parents across America awaken to harmful curriculum that is being forced on kids in public schools across Ohio, the demand for the Backpack Bill grows."

"Now is the time for the General Assembly to act."

The next step is for Finance Committee Chair Scott Oelslager to schedule the Backpack Bill for its first hearing.

Click here to read the sub-bill.

As Ohio’s largest Christian public policy organization, Center for Christian Virtue seeks the good of our neighbors by advocating for public policy that reflects the truth of the Gospel. 

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