TALLAHASSEE, Fl. — According to a new poll conducted by WPA Intelligence and released by yes. every kid., Florida voters support implementing an Education Savings Account (ESA) program by a greater than three-to-one margin, with 61% supporting and 18% opposing. Support was consistent across party lines, with 62% of Democrats, 61% of Republicans and 60% of Independents in favor of ESAs.
ESAs empower families with a greater say over their children’s education by directing resources for tuition, tutoring, therapies, supplies, technology and other educational expenses. Florida’s House Bill 1, which would give all students access to ESAs, is currently moving through the legislature.
“Florida voters believe that families know what’s best for their children’s education,” said yes. every kid. Executive Director Craig Hulse. “Governor DeSantis, House Speaker Renner and Senator Simon have an opportunity to stand up for Florida families by passing House Bill 1. Every kid deserves educational opportunities that respect their dignity, foster their passions and meet their unique needs. This moment is a chance to modernize learning, expanding families’ power to customize the education that’s best for their children. We can—and must—do better than our outdated, one-size-fits-all education system.”
Florida’s House Bill 1 is an opportunity to meet the desires of Florida voters and create more innovative approaches to learning for children across the Sunshine State. As written, the legislation would:
- Expand eligibility for ESAs to all K-12 students. Currently, ESAs are only available to eligible students with special needs.
- Increase the number of expenses that can be paid with ESA funds, such as approved pre-apprenticeship programs.
- Enable students to access dual enrollment programs.
ESAs can help begin to break down the barriers that prevent access to quality public education. Black and Hispanic voters were most supportive of ESAs, with 71% supporting and 64% supporting, respectively, and 59% of white voters expressing support.
With the full passage of HB 1, Florida would be the fifth state to pass universal ESA legislation this year. Florida has the opportunity to establish itself as a national leader in universal education choice, setting a high standard for other states to follow.
The poll was conducted by WPA Intelligence from March 11-14, 2023. WPA Intelligence interviewed a total of 808 registered voters with a margin of error of ±3.5%.
###
