yes. every kid. urges Indiana Appropriations Committee to listen to voters, pass expanded ESA legislation
Indianapolis, In. – A majority of Indiana voters support Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) by a four-to-one margin (55% to 13%), according to a new poll conducted by WPA Intelligence and released by yes. every kid. Furthermore, 58% of parents in Indiana support ESAs, indicating families are calling for a greater say over their children’s education.
ESAs in Indiana provide families with educational resources for multiple uses, such as online learning programs, private tutoring, education therapies, community college costs and other expenses. When Hoosiers hear the definition of ESAs, a significant amount of voters (68%) are even more likely to support this type of flexibility.
The majority of Hoosiers (53%) also voiced that they were more likely to vote for their legislator if they supported ESAs. Recent legislation in Indiana, Senate Bill 305, would expand eligibility for the state’s education scholarship accounts. Currently, Indiana’s ESA program is limited to students who qualify for special education.
“Families across Indiana want to choose the education that fits their child’s unique learning styles,” said yes. every kid. Executive Director Craig Hulse. “This is an opportunity to modernize learning, allowing parents the power to customize the education that’s best for them. It’s how we can begin to break down barriers to learning, expanding learning opportunities for all families, especially those who need it most.
“We applaud the Indiana Senate Education and Career Development Committee for passing nation-leading legislation that would improve and expand educational options for students. We’re grateful to the authors of this landmark bill and for the leadership of Indiana Treasurer of State Daniel Elliott and his ardent support of this landmark bill. We urge the Appropriations Committee to listen to the voices of Hoosier voters and advance comprehensive ESA legislation. Now is the time to make direct funding to families central to how we deliver education across the state.”
When asked if voters support ESAs as a government-authorized savings account that help pay for education expenses from kindergarten through college, support remained high at a nearly six-to-one margin (69% to 12%). The findings reflect a broader national trend, with those who spend the most time with America’s children – teachers and parents – signaling support for ESAs. With the passage of this legislation, Indiana would become the third state in the nation to advance comprehensive ESA legislation on behalf of students, teachers and families in 2023.
The poll was conducted by WPA Intelligence from Jan. 22 to Jan. 24, 2023. WPA Intelligence interviewed a total of 500 people with a margin of error of ± 4.4%.
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