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Following the nomination of Betsy DeVos for Education Secretary, the education world and media in general have been buzzing about potential federal parental choice programs. As I stated in the prior CE News, this office will be part of those conversations, encouraging plurality of choices and ease of access for families.
It is important to remember, however, that parental choice programs have been most successful at the state level. In 30 states there are 61 private school choice programs and 2017 is shaping up to be an active year in state legislatures across the country.
That is why a new Catholic organization (name is TBD) launching in the new year will be focused on advocating choice programs at the state level. It will fill a unique and targeted role of providing the Catholic voice in the parental choice space - augmenting and assisting Catholic conferences and dioceses already engaged in this work. Although this group is separate from my office and the USCCB, I am enthused by its founding and wish it success in 2017 and beyond.
If you have any questions about this group or want to know more, please email me directly.
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