Georgia took a giant step forward last week on educational freedom. After two years of persistence from school choice supporters, and with input from critics, the 2013 Georgia Legislature responded decisively to improve and grow a tuition tax credit program that already serves more than 11,000 Georgia children.

Kyle Wingfield's AJC interview with school choice advocate Gerard Robinson provides a sound defense against strict means-testing in Georgia's tax credit scholarship program. Like Mr. Robinson and the group he serves, the student scholarship organization that I co-founded, Arete Scholars Fund, supports the principle of universal school choice for students from all income levels. When dealing with limited resources, we also understand that parameters are often necessary for choice programs to make any meaningful impact.

Atlanta, GA (February 21) – Over 2,200 students, parents, teachers and administrators attended the 2013 School Choice Rally at the Capitol Building in Atlanta on Thursday, January 31st. Hosted by Center for an Educated Georgia (CEG), the event was one of 3,600 events held throughout all 50 states during National School Choice Week. 

In separate articles earlier this week, the AJC recycled misleading attacks against the successful five-year-old Georgia tax credit scholarship program. Contrary to claims of abuse, there is compelling evidence that tax credit scholarships are succeeding just as intended in the 2008 law  ̶  proving a fiscally responsible solution that expands educational opportunity for more than 11,000 low- and middle-income Georgia students. 

Schools, advocates and scholarship families frequently ask how they can help advance Arete's mission to provide low-income students with greater access to an excellent education. The 2013 School Choice Rally is a simple, effective way to have a real impact on legislators, public policy, and potential donors.