Read the full op-ed on WSJ.com
Republicans around the country have made great strides on education freedom in recent years. But in some states—especially Texas, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama—rural Republican politicians have been an obstacle to progress.
They’re worried about the politics and the practicality of school choice, but I’m here to tell them they have nothing to worry about and everything to gain.
…
Fourteen years after I ran for office, I’m more convinced than ever that school choice is the right policy for rural communities. In fact, I now believe school choice is an antidote to rural decline.
In the era of remote work, the lack of educational options keeps families who might otherwise prefer to live in a rural area from moving out of the big city. Every rural Republican wants his district to thrive. Their best bet, by far, is to back education freedom for all.
Mr. Newell, a former Oklahoma state representative, is vice president of government affairs at yes. every kid.
