Virginia Action
Education Bill Update 1/22

EDUCATION


Bill Update From 1/21


Status: This bill was stricken at the request of the Senator who introduced the bill and did not receive a vote.

SUPPORT: SB1085 – Education Choice Tax Credits

Creates two refundable tax credits empowering parental education choice: Up to $5,000 for homeschool/private school expenses and up to $1,500 for public school expenses. Lower-income families get additional $2,500 credit. Program capped at $25M annually with automatic 10% increase if 90% used. Supports family freedom in education decisions while reducing their tax burden.


Education Bills Update 1/21

EDUCATION


This bill will be voted on in the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, TODAY, 1/21 at 9AM in Senate Room A, Room 305, of the General Assembly Building.


SUPPORT


SUPPORT: SB1085 – Education Choice Tax Credits

Creates two refundable tax credits empowering parental education choice: Up to $5,000 for homeschool/private school expenses and up to $1,500 for public school expenses. Lower-income families get additional $2,500 credit. Program capped at $25M annually with automatic 10% increase if 90% used. Supports family freedom in education decisions while reducing their tax burden.


Please contact these Senators and ask them to vote YES on SB1085.

Senate: Finance and Appropriations CommitteeDistrictPhoneEmail
Chair: Senator L. Louise Lucas (D)18(804) 698-7518[email protected]
Senator Jennifer B. Boysko (D)38(804) 698-7538[email protected]
Senator R. Creigh Deeds (D)11(804) 698-7511[email protected]
Senator Adam P. Ebbin (D)39(804) 698-7539[email protected]
Senator Barbara A. Favola (D)40(804) 698-7540[email protected]
Senator Ghazala F. Hashmi (D)15(804) 698-7515[email protected]
Senator Mamie E. Locke (D)23(804) 698-7523[email protected]
Senator David W. Marsden (D)35(804) 698-7535[email protected]
Senator Ryan T. McDougle (R)26(804) 698-7526[email protected]
Senator Jeremy S. McPike (D)29(804) 698-7529[email protected]
Senator Mark D. Obenshain (R)2(804) 698-7502[email protected]
Senator Todd E. Pillion (R)6(804) 698-7506[email protected]
Senator Bryce E. Reeves (R)28(804) 698-7528[email protected]
Senator Richard H. Stuart (R)25(804) 698-7525[email protected]
Senator Scott A. Surovell (D)34(804) 698-7534[email protected]

Bill Update From 1/20


Status: This bill passed the Senate Public Education Subcommittee. It will now be sent to the full Senate Health and Education Committee.

OPPOSE: SB1031 – Religious Exemption for Education Requirements

Attacks the homeschooling religious exemption process by requiring parents to meet educational qualifications, submit annual notices and progress reports, and demonstrate certain instruction methods.


Status: This bill passed the Senate Public Education Subcommittee. It will now be sent to the full Senate Health and Education Committee.

OPPOSE: SB979 – Delayed implementation of new Public School Accountability System

This bill directs the Department of Education to delay for one year the implementation of the revised public school accountability system adopted recently by the State Board of Education after robust research and discussion.


Status: This bill was killed in the Senate Public Education Subcommittee through the motion to pass by indefinitely.

SUPPORT: SB1346 – Virginia Opportunity Scholarships

The Virginia Opportunity Scholarship program is designed to give students greater access to learning opportunities that best meet their needs. 10,000 eligible K-12 students can receive $5,000 per academic year. This program is for Virginia students whose household income does not exceed $81,120 for a family of four. This scholarship puts money directly into families’ hands for expenses of attending an accredited private school in Virginia including, tuition, transportation, books, and other qualified educational expenses— such as summer school programs— so families can access the opportunities that work best for their child.

Education Bills Update 1/20

EDUCATION


OPPOSE


UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE

These bills will be voted on in the Senate Public Education Subcommittee on Thursday, January 16th, 30 minutes after the Senate floor adjourns in Senate Room C, Room 311, of the General Assembly Building


SB1031 – Religious Exemption for Education Requirements

Attacks the homeschooling religious exemption process by requiring parents to meet educational qualifications, submit annual notices and progress reports, and demonstrate certain instruction methods.


SB979 – Delayed implementation of new Public School Accountability System

This bill directs the Department of Education to delay for one year the implementation of the revised public school accountability system adopted recently by the State Board of Education after robust research and discussion.


SUPPORT


SB1346 – Virginia Opportunity Scholarships

The Virginia Opportunity Scholarship program is designed to give students greater access to learning opportunities that best meet their needs. 10,000 eligible K-12 students can receive $5,000 per academic year. This program is for Virginia students whose household income does not exceed $81,120 for a family of four. This scholarship puts money directly into families’ hands for expenses of attending an accredited private school in Virginia including, tuition, transportation, books, and other qualified educational expenses— such as summer school programs— so families can access the opportunities that work best for their child.

To see bill text and info: Click HERE


Please contact these Senators and ask them to vote NO on SB1031 and SB979.

Subcommittee: Public EducationDistrictPhone NumberEmail
Chair: Senator Schuyler T. VanValkenburg (D)16(804) 698-7516[email protected]
Senator Christie New Craig (R)19(804) 698-7519[email protected]
Senator Mamie E. Locke (D)23(804) 698-7523[email protected]
Senator Mark J. Peake (R)8(804) 698-7508[email protected]
Senator Stella G. Pekarsky (D)36(804) 698-7536[email protected]