The American Federation for Children announced its support for Kentucky families following the Kentucky Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the state’s charter schools funding law.
The organization said the court’s ruling increases the urgency for Kentucky to opt in to the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit. The court found that Kentucky’s 2022 charter schools funding law, which was passed by the legislature over Governor Andy Beshear’s veto, violates the state constitution. According to the American Federation for Children, this decision is part of a series of setbacks for education freedom in Kentucky.
Tommy Schultz, CEO of the American Federation for Children, said, “Today’s ruling is a profound disappointment for every Kentucky family that has been waiting, many for years, for a real educational alternative. This decision does not end the fight for education freedom in Kentucky; it highlights the urgency for Kentucky to opt in to the Education Freedom Tax Credit immediately. Although the courts have tied lawmakers’ hands on in-state options, the EFTC offers a constitutionally sound path to finally deliver choice to Kentucky families, without costing the state a dime. Governor Beshear and all Kentucky officials have an opportunity right now to act, and we urge them to seize it. Kentucky’s children cannot afford to keep waiting.” According to Schultz, there remains an opportunity with the federal tax credit program that could provide options for families across all states.
The American Federation for Children describes itself as a national school choice advocacy organization focused on advancing education freedom and supporting legislation related to school choice. The group says it has helped pass more than 200 school choice laws nationwide and operates an affiliated Super PAC aimed at electing education reform supporters at both state and federal levels.
