Last month, Governor Greg Abbott signed the nation’s largest day-one universal school choice program into law. Madison Yandell, the governor’s education advisor, and Vanessa Tanner, chief of staff to Texas House Public Education Committee Chairman Brad Buckley, join the podcast to discuss how education savings accounts (ESAs) finally passed in Texas and the roles of various stakeholders in the legislative process. Madison and Vanessa also explain the ESA program’s funding, prioritization of vulnerable children, and implementation plans. As we conclude, they respond to common misconceptions about the program and describe the state’s investment of $8.5 billion in new funding for public education and teacher salaries.

What Parents Need to Know About the New Texas Education Savings Account: https://myschoolchoice.com/opportunities/texas-education-savings-account

Families Empowered: Find a School That Works for You: https://familiesempoweredtx.org/

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Last week, the New Hampshire legislature significantly expanded eligibility for the state’s education savings accounts (ESA) program. Once Governor Kelly Ayotte signs the bill, New Hampshire will become the 17th state to offer an education freedom program that is available to every student in the state. Jody Underwood joins the podcast to discuss how her organization helps New Hampshire families navigate their growing options. Jody shares insights from her time on the school board and explains the state’s options, including town tuitioning, Education Freedom Accounts, tax credit scholarships, and the Learn Everywhere program.

New Hampshire’s Legislature Passes Landmark School Choice Bill: https://www.federationforchildren.org/afc-congratulates-new-hampshires-legislature-for-passing-landmark-school-choice-bill/

Education Options New Hampshire: https://edopt.org/

🔗 Links & Resources:

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If you have feedback or suggestions for future podcasts, please reach out to us at Podcast@DFIPolicy.org.

🎧 Thank You for Listening:
Freedom to Learn is a production of the Defense of Freedom Institute. You can learn more about DFI at DFIPolicy.org.

If you enjoyed this episode, please give it a thumbs up, share it, and subscribe for more insights into education law and policy. Thank you for your support!

Title IX prohibits sex-based discrimination in education programs and activities that receive federal funding. My colleague Paul Zimmerman joins the podcast to explain Title IX’s original intent to ensure equal educational opportunities regardless of sex, the regulatory evolution and whiplash in recent years, and regulators' attempts to push gender ideology and weaken parental rights. We conclude with a discussion about DFI’s RESPECT Title IX Act, a model law that provides Title IX policy clarity and stability.

🔗 Links & Resources:

• Visit our website: DFIPolicy.org

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📩 Contact Us:
If you have feedback or suggestions for future podcasts, please reach out to us at Podcast@DFIPolicy.org.

🎧 Thank You for Listening:
Freedom to Learn is a production of the Defense of Freedom Institute. You can learn more about DFI at DFIPolicy.org.

If you enjoyed this episode, please give it a thumbs up, share it, and subscribe for more insights into education law and policy. Thank you for your support!