The Educational Choice for Children Act
Tuition Scholarships. Every State.
Countdown to ECCA Bill Passage
The Educational Choice for Children Act is expected to be enacted by mid-July 2025 — before Congress’s july 15th debt-limit deadline
What is the Educational Choice for Children Act?
ECCA is a federal proposal to provide $5 billion annually in scholarships to students. It is an important step in the effort to bring universal school choice to every state.
$5 Billion
In annual scholarships for students across the country
All 50 States
Available in every state without requiring state action
Education Expenses
Can be used for private school tuition, special ed services, and other education expenses
How ECCA Works
The funds are generated by donors who receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit for contributions to nonprofit scholarship organizations.
How is ECCA funded?
Donors contribute to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) and receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit.
- —Maximum tax credit for individuals: 10% of AGI or $5,000 (whichever is higher)
- —Tax credits can be carried forward for 5 tax years
- —Donors can contribute to any qualified SGO in any state
Step 1
Bob owes $5,000 in federal taxes
Who is eligible?
Students in families earning 300% or below of the median income in their area. Priority given to previous scholarship students and siblings.
Scholarship uses
Tuition, curriculum, books, online educational materials, tutoring, educational therapies for students with disabilities including OT, PT, behavior and speech-language.
State availability
ECCA will be available to residents of all 50 states and DC. It's a federal program and doesn't require any state action.
ECCA Timeline
The journey of the Educational Choice for Children Act from introduction to expected passage
ECCA Introduced
ECCA introduced in the Senate by Sen. Bill Cassidy.
Committee Reviews
Committees hold reviews and hearings to lay the groundwork.
House Committee Passage
House Ways and Means Committee passes a version of the bill (H.R. 9462).
Momentum Builds
Momentum builds as further committee support is secured.
Favorable Elections
Favorable election outcomes boost the political climate for school choice.
Reintroduction
Key sponsors reintroduce ECCA in the 119th Congress.
Added to Tax Reconciliation Package
House Ways & Means includes ECCA in its section of the reconciliation bill, with the ECCA credit allocation reduced from $10 billion to $5 billion, fast-tracking it for simple-majority passage and shielding it from a Senate filibuster.
House Floor Vote
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' (H.R. 1) by a 215-214 vote, largely along party lines, with all Democrats opposing and two Republicans voting against it.
Senate Review & Vote
The Senate debates the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act,' with potential amendments. Senate Republicans, including Sen. Ron Johnson and Sen. Rick Scott, express concerns over the bill’s $3.8 trillion deficit impact and seek deeper spending cuts. The bill faces resistance and may not pass in its current form without significant changes. The Senate aims to pass it by simple majority before the July 4 recess.
House Concurrence & Presidential Signature
If the Senate passes an amended bill, the House must concur with changes. The enrolled bill then goes to President Trump for signature ahead of the mid-July debt-limit deadline. Senate resistance may complicate this timeline.
Urge Congress to pass the Educational Choice for Children Act
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Ecca in the News
Stay updated with the latest news, policy changes, and discussions about education tax credits and scholarship opportunities.
