Washington state Rep. Travis Couture, R-Allyn, has introduced House Bill 1140 to establish scholarships for students through Education Savings Accounts (ESAs). Co-sponsored by Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, the bill aims to provide ESAs for low-income students, special needs families, and students in failing schools. Couture emphasized that ESAs empower parents to choose the best education for their children, shifting the focus from funding the system to funding the student’s needs.
The proposed ESAs would be accessible through state-issued debit cards, with oversight controls ensuring funds are used for educational purposes such as tuition, fees, textbooks, tutoring, and therapies. Couture highlighted the importance of prioritizing students in underperforming schools and those with special needs who may lack adequate support.
Despite opposition from the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), citing concerns about redirecting public funds to private entities, Couture stressed the need for competition and choice within the education system. The bill offers two funding options for ESAs, including legislative appropriations or a business tax credit for contributions.
Couture pointed to nationwide support for ESAs and the recent trend of students disenrolling from public schools, underscoring the importance of providing all parents with options for their children’s education. While acknowledging challenges in passing the bill with a Democratic majority, Couture emphasized the significance of addressing educational equity and civil rights issues through initiatives like ESAs.
The Weldon Association was contacted for comments on the bill but did not receive a response by the time of publication. The 105-day legislative session is scheduled to commence on January 13.
