U.S. House debates expanding school choice programs nationwide amid concerns over potential inequalities

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (KOKH) — While our state is working out the kinks in Oklahoma's new school choice program, on a federal level lawmakers are working to pass a similar tax program for funds to go towards private schools.

In a U.S. House Committee hearing on Wednesday, Representatives debated a few different approaches to expanding school choice across the nation.

One of those options is building on 529 accounts, which are tax advantaged savings plans designed to encourage saving money for education costs.

529 plans, also known as qualified tuition plans, are sponsored by states, agencies and educational institutions that have tax benefits meant to help families save for future tuition payments.

"But 529 accounts could also be amended to cover other education costs like books, tutoring, to help kids help catch up after multiple years of forced virtual schools,"Rep. Jason Smith, (R)-MO said.

Another option up for discussion is the Educational Choice for Children Act.

"It would create a federal tax credit allocated to scholarship granting organizations in each state, and the District of Columbia, to improve educational opportunities to those most in need," the sponsor of the bill, Rep. Adrian Smith said.

The proposed bill allows individuals and corporations to get tax credits for donating to organizations that provide scholarships to students.

The Republican led legislation is contested by Democrats who are concerned about where the money could go.

"If I donate to the Lutherans, there's nothing in this bill that would prevent them from providing these scholarships to Lutherans as opposed to other children, and not discriminating against them,"Rep. Gwen Moore, (D)-WI said.

Both Republicans and Democrats in Oklahoma argued that our tax credit could end up benefitting wealthy families instead of the most in need of financial assistance.

"Someone who makes over $350,000 per year will still be eligible for this deficit financed tax cut,"Rep. Lloyd Doggett, (D)-TX said.

Oklahoma's school choice tax credit law has a tiered system. Your income will decide how much money you can qualify for.

On the federal level though, the credits only exclude students whose families make more than 300% of the the area's median gross income level.