Iowa lawmakers hear from residents on Governor Reynolds' school choice bill

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(Des Moines, IA) -- Iowans are telling state lawmakers what they think about Governor Kim Reynolds' school choice bill.

The proposal would put nearly $7,600 in educational savings accounts for parents who decide to enroll their kids outside the public school system.

Chuck Hurley, vice president of The Family Leader, said the bill lets parents decide what's best for their children.

"Kids are different," said Hurley. "Kids need more options, not fewer. This is about the kids, and I can tell you that my individual children needed things different than their siblings."

Polk County resident Jazlyn Fitz has a son who was diagnosed with autism several years ago. She told lawmakers some parents will be denied a choice under the proposal.

"My son, and others like him, will have no choice to attend a private school because private schools can, and will, choose not to accept him and his specialized needs," said Fitz.

More than 100 people signed up for Tuesday's public hearing, but only 45 residents got a chance to speak during the 90 minute meeting.


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