Today, yes. every kid. launched a new TV ad in support of legislation expanding South Carolina’s education savings account (ESA) program. The South Carolina House of Representatives passed S.62 last night, creating a pathway for the program to become universally available to all South Carolina families. The legislation awaits final action in the South Carolina Senate.
Why It Matters:
- Participation in South Carolina’s existing ESA program is limited
- Three-quarters of voters statewide believe ESAs should be available to every kid
- S.62 would create universal ESAs in South Carolina
What We’re Saying:
“Thanks to the steadfast commitment of Speaker Murrell Smith, Jr. and Rep. Shannon Erickson, today the House passed an important bill empowering every South Carolina kid.” said Marcus D. San Marino, vice president of government affairs, yes. every kid. “We urge the Senate to concur with the House version of S.62 and deliver universal education freedom.”
Watch the ad from yes. every kid. here:
How S.62 Works:
- Offers ESAs equal to 90% of average state per pupil funding for South Carolina K-12 students, estimated to be about $7,700 in Fiscal Year 2024-2025
- Program eligibility will phase-in over three years to universal:
- School Year 2025-2026: families earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level eligible
- School Year 2026-2027: families earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level eligible
- School Year 2027-2028 and beyond: all students eligible, but lower-income households will be afforded early application windows
- When the program reaches universal eligibility, legislative appropriations will determine the number of recipients
- Qualifying ESA expenses include:
- Tuition and fees for non-profit and online education service providers
- Textbooks, curriculum, assessments, tutoring, technology, or other instructional materials
- Contracted services from a public school or fees associated with students transferring to attend public school outside of their zoned district
- Services for students with disabilities
- Fees for education related transportation
About yes. every kid.
yes. every kid. is a leading advocacy team with a family-first approach to transform America’s education policy landscape. We work to transform education away from the current top-down standardized model to a bottom-up approach that enables every family and student to customize an education that best matches their values and priorities.
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