Andrew Ya⁠t⁠es is government affairs director for yes. every kid.

States around the country have responded to families’ demand for increased educational options. It’s time for New Hampshire to follow suit and expand Education Freedom Accounts so that even more Granite State families can benefit.

The EFA program empowers families and students with education freedom if their assigned public school does not meet their unique needs. We know that no two kids are the same, and while public school might work great for one student, it isn’t always the right fit for another. That is why families deserve the freedom to customize an education that works for them.

The Senate has the opportunity to pass House Bill 1665, which has already passed the House of Representatives. HB 1665 expands the EFA program to nearly all families in New Hampshire. This would empower even more families and students to benefit from the successful program, allowing them access to a customized educational experience.

Some are discussing the potential option to weaken the House bill and decrease the number of families that would potentially be able to benefit from the program. That is not the answer. The House passed a clean bill that would open the program to approximately 20,000 more students. The Senate should continue that work and pass HB 1665, taking a significant step in the right direction for New Hampshire families.

The program enables families to utilize their accounts to pay for tuition at the school of their choice, tutoring, online learning programs, educational supplies, and other educational expenses.

Not only is the EFA program beneficial for families, but it also saves taxpayer dollars. The average EFA value is $4,700, which is about one-fourth of the average cost per student in New Hampshire’s district schools. The New Hampshire Department of Education estimates the program will generate about $73 million in taxpayer savings in 2024, a total of more than $156 million in cumulative taxpayer savings under current rules. Expanding EFAs would mean even more savings for taxpayers, more bang for our educational buck.

The EFA program is extremely popular with voters as well. A March 2024 poll conducted by EdChoice found that 66% of New Hampshire voters support the EFA program, with even stronger support among New Hampshire K-12 parents at 74%.

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A recent national poll conducted by yes. every kid. foundation. found that a majority of Americans, including most Democrats, independents, and Republicans, support expanding access to education savings accounts. That same poll found that Americans believe expanding educational options will strengthen education overall in the United States.

Currently, more than 4,000 students benefit from Education Freedom Accounts, including kids with special needs and those learning English. The EFA program ranks first in the nation for administration and popularity but ranks just 42nd in eligibility nationwide, according to EdChoice. It’s time to change that.

It’s time to expand the program so even more children can access a learning environment that works for them. It’s time to give families what they want and deserve: increased education freedom. It’s time to expand the Education Freedom Accounts.