Silent No More on School Choice: Where Mississippi Stands—and What’s Next

Bottom line: Mississippi’s House leadership has put Education Freedom on the runway. Hearings happened in August 2025; a comprehensive bill is expected next session. The debate will center on funding, equity, and accountability.

The Latest (Dates Matter)

• Aug. 25, 2025 — Hearings: State & national officials urged lawmakers to expand school choice.
• Summer–Fall 2025: A sweeping bill is being drafted.
• Concept in play: Per-pupil funds follow the student—even to private schools.

What’s Likely in the Mix

• Open Enrollment across districts.
• Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) for tuition, tutoring, therapies.
• Tax-Credit Scholarships via donor credits.

Polling

Dec. 2023: ~79% of Mississippians supported “education freedom.” Early 2025: ~66% support ESAs overall, higher among GOP voters.

Neighbor Comparison

State Snapshot Watch-Outs Alabama $7k private / $2k homeschool; phased; priority groups Rural gaps, tuition mismatch, oversight Arkansas Broad ESA + open enrollment Uneven rural supply Louisiana Expanding ESA/vouchers; wide eligibility Equity & accountability

The Real Tension

• Funding pressure: District budgets feel strain; look for hold-harmless measures.
• Access & equity: Rural families need transport & supply solutions.
• Accountability: Public dollars require transparency & comparable outcomes.

What to Watch Next

• Bill text (eligibility, caps, uses)
• District buffers (hold harmless, rural supports)
• Integrity (reporting, audits, SPED safeguards)
• Phase-in plan with priority cohorts

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