Texas Senator Ted Cruz dropped by Ausitn and is looking to support job growth in skilled trades and back school choice programs.
If passed, Cruz’s Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act, would split $100-billion in tax credits for K-12 school and workforce training programs geared to the skilled trades.
He said by using tax credits instead of funds, it would not take a dime from public schools or hurt them as opponents of school choice fear. He explained instead of hurting the public school system, in states where school choice programs were enacted, the quality in the public school systems went up. He said that’s what happened when you introduce competition to the market.
Cruz said if his legeslation makes it into law, it would have an impact like the GI Bill. He believes it would help fund more school programs and lend a hand in building a needed workforce.
However, getting to that point is the current struggle. Cruz said, “This is not a bill that will pass tomorrow.” That’s why he is meeting with stakeholders across Texas, hoping to build grassroots support for the program from policy leaders, businesses and labor groups.
(Photo:Newsradio KLBJ 590am/99.7fm/ Jon Cooley)
