Watch CCV Testify in Favor of Religious Education Released Time, Sponsor Hearing for Educational Savings Accounts

COLUMBUS–Two of Center for Christian Virtue's priority bills, Senate Bill 293 (SB293) and Senate Bill 304 (SB304), are scheduled to receive hearings in the Senate Education Committee today–Tuesday, November 19–at 3:00 pm.

SB293, sponsored by Senator Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester), is the companion bill to House Bill 445 and would protect the right of children to receive religious education from ministries like LifeWise Academy and School Ministries Ohio by changing the law which says public schools "may" allow released time for religious instruction to say that they "shall," or must, allow it in line with court precedent.

David Mahan, CCV Policy Director, will testify in support of SB293.

SB304, sponsored by Senator Mark Romanchuk (R-Ontario), is the companion bill to House Bill 339 and would provide a state-funded Educational Savings Account (ESA) for students enrolled in an Ohio non-chartered, non-public school beginning with the 2025-26 school year. Each ESA would be funded at 90 percent of the statewide average base cost per pupil for that school year. 

Senator Romanchuk will give sponsor testimony on SB304.

Please note that the Committee's agenda may include other bills for consideration, and these bills may not be the first to be heard. Committee hearings at the Ohio Statehouse are open to the public.

If you're unable to attend the hearing, you can watch the recording once it's been posted.

To become law, a bill must go through both Chambers of the Ohio Statehouse to be sent to the governor for his approval. Companion bills help expedite this process by allowing the legislation to progress simultaneously through both Chambers.

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

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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