Indiana State Senator Doug Eckerty (R-26) took a strong stand for Indiana students this week, by declaring his unwavering support for House Bill 1003 and school choice in the state.

"Who am I, indeed, who are any of us, to tell a parent where their child must attend school," stated Sen. Eckerty in an opinion piece featured in The Star Press. "Second, I will be voting for HB 1003 not because I'm anti-teacher or anti-public school but because I believe in providing every possible option available for parents to choose the very best education for their children.  I don't apologize for giving parents this choice."

If passed, H.B. 1003 would create a Choice Scholarships Program, which would provide families with the ability to send their child to the school of their choice, even if it is not in their district.  The scholarships would be funded by the portion of state government funds that the child would have received at their assigned public school.  Scholarships would be provided based on certain conditions, such as family income, for up to $4,500.

Politicians SHOULD NOT tell parents where to enroll their children.  It should be up to the family to decide what education system works best for their needs, and the state should be there to preserve their right to choose.