PHX Reporter

Arizona parents are now better equipped to send their children to a school that best fits their student's educational needs under a new law signed by Gov. Doug Ducey (R-AZ) on July 7.

The legislation, House Bill 2853, makes every student in Arizona, from kindergarten through their senior year in high school, eligible for scholarships giving them access to a better education.

"This is a monumental moment for all of Arizona's students," Ducey said in a press release. "Our kids will no longer be locked in underperforming schools. Today, we're unlocking a whole new world of opportunity for them and their parents."

In the release, Ducey added that with the new law, "Arizona cements itself as the top state for school choice." He also said with it, the Grand Canyon State has become the first in the country to offer every family the chance to choose where their children attend school.

"Every family in Arizona should have access to a high-quality education with dedicated teachers," he said. "This is truly a win for all K-12 students."

House Majority Leader Ben Toma (R-Peoria) sponsored the bill that would grant more than $6,500 per student per year to families who participate in the program.

"In Arizona, we fund students, not systems, because we know one size does not fit all students," Toma said in the release. "It was my privilege to sponsor the most expansive school choice law in the nation, opening Empowerment Scholarship Account eligibility to all school-age children without restriction. I appreciate Governor Ducey for his strong support to help Arizona become the first state with a truly universal ESA program, delivering educational freedom to more than 1.1 million students."

Drew Anderson, senior pastor of First Watch Ministries and Legacy Christian Center, said the law "saved our children" by helping make education a priority for all children to help them "achieve greatness," according to the release.

Jenny Clark, the founder of Love Your School, said in the release her five children have already benefitted from the program, but now that every child in the state is eligible for it, they too have "access to the same opportunities — unbound by their parents' income."

Senior Fellow of the American Federation for Children Corey DeAngelis added that families would no longer "be forced to send their children's taxpayer-funded education dollars to government-run schools regardless of their choices."