Washington’s education system is failing—but a solution is on the horizon

Washington’s education system is failing students, despite a dramatic increase in funding. 8th grade math scores have dropped, and 4th grade reading scores continue to decline, even though per-student spending has increased by 110% since 2013.

Clearly, the status quo with your children’s education hasn’t worked. So, what if we could put parents in control instead?

30 other states are already doing this, many of them by giving parents access to their education tax dollars via “Education Savings Accounts” (ESAs).

Parents can use those education tax dollars to help tailor their children’s education to best meet their unique needs— often used for:

• Private school tuition
• Homeschooling
• Tutoring
• Online courses
• Specialized therapies
• Educational field trips, museums, and more.

A few forward-thinking lawmakers in Washington are working to bring ESAs to our state through HB 1140. Like most states in the early stages of an ESA program, HB 1140 prioritizes low– and middle-income families. And over time, like other states, we expect the program to be opened up to all families.

Here’s how YOU can help:

📢 Sign up to testify in person, virtually, or provide written testimony.

Select “HB 1140 K-12 scholarship program” as the agenda item. Showing public support for this bill will go a long way in helping it pass through the House Education Committee. The hearing is this Thursday, Feb. 6 at 8 a.m. Even if you cannot attend the hearing, we encourage you to share your brief thoughts with the committee.

Let’s not let Washington’s children fall further behind. Access to a quality education shouldn’t just be a privilege for the wealthy, but a right for all. And Education Savings Accounts can make that happen.

Take action today — the future of the next generation depends on it.