Rokita: Celebrating Charter Schools – $60 Million to Indiana

WASHINGTON, D.C.–“With $60 million additional dollars coming into Indiana for charter schools, the door is being opened for Hoosier students. I believe that every students needs the opportunity to succeed and that means attending the right school. We need to make sure that students aren’t stopped from achieving the American Dream because of their zip code or their parents’ income,” said Congressman Todd Rokita, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Early Childhood, Elementary, and Secondary Education. “This $60 million dollars will help Hoosier charter schools expand over the next five years. Charter schools can truly make a difference in the lives of students which is why I am a huge advocate for school choice. I saw this earlier this year when I visited Hope Academy with Secretary DeVos. At Hope Academy, we heard stories about overcoming substance abuse and the role the school played in helping students overcome this addiction.”   

Rokita has been a leader on education co-writing the Every Student Succeeds Act which the Wall Street Journal called, “…the largest devolution of federal control to the states in a quarter-century.” Rokita also introduced the CHOICE Act which would help military families, low income families, and those receiving educational services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act by expanding educational opportunities. Rokita is also currently working on a bill with Senator Marco Rubio that would create a scholarship tax credit designed to allow low-income families the opportunity to escape failing school districts and attend the private school of their choice. 

“It is important that parents have choice in education and that they are able to be involved. Indiana has led the way when it comes to parent involvement in education for years. This year Indiana ranked second nationwide for the Parent Power Index which evaluates the amount of power parents have in education in each state. We need to continue to empower parents and students in education.” 

The Parent Power Index score for Indiana is 89.1%. This is the second best score in the country.