Latest news with #MichaelJPetrilli
Wall Street Journal
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Wall Street Journal
Will Democratic Governors Choose the Kids Over Campaign Cash?
Regarding 'Democrats' School Choice Dilemma' (July 14): Michael J. Petrilli's argument—that it is a 'tough dilemma' for Democratic governors whether or not to opt-in to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act's school-choice program—is scary. If blue states embrace it, the reconciliation act would provide scholarships that are popular within black and Hispanic communities, that provide low-income children access to a safe and quality education, and that don't cost states a penny. This is only a hard thing to say yes to if governors prioritize pleasing teachers' unions that provide them political contributions above securing low-income children a good education. Shamefully, the Democratic Party seems to only oppose more domestic spending when it comes to educating children in ways that displease labor leaders.
Wall Street Journal
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Wall Street Journal
It's One Small, Ugly School Choice Expansion
For all of the hubbub around the education choice provisions in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, you'd think there was more to it. Supporters reassured those school-choice advocates who were skeptical of Washington getting involved that this was a once-in-a-generation chance to expand choice into blue states and that doing so through the tax code would avoid any new federal regulations on schools or scholarship organizations. As Michael J. Petrilli's op-ed ('Democrats' School Choice Dilemma,' July 14) shows, the act does neither. States must opt-in. Maybe Mr. Petrilli is right and the promise of scholarships can squeeze blue state leaders harder than unions can, but a key reason to use a federal tax credit to expand choice was to get around entrenched interests. This doesn't.
