A proposed bill in Mississippi that aimed to enable certain parents to utilize taxpayer funds for private school tuition is unlikely to progress this legislative session, according to House leaders. The bill’s fate was sealed after ongoing discussions between supporters and opponents failed to persuade lawmakers, culminating in a House Republican caucus meeting where it became evident that the GOP majority could not achieve a consensus. “You probably won’t see us take up that bill,” House Speaker Jason White remarked on Wednesday. “We don’t have a consensus.”
House Bill 1433, introduced by House Education Chairman Rob Roberson, sought to allow students enrolled in schools rated D or F within the last five years to redirect state funding typically allocated to their public schools toward private school tuition. However, this was contingent upon there being no A- or B-rated schools within a 30-mile radius willing to accept the students.
Supporters of this initiative argued it would empower parents by giving them more control over their children’s education. White framed this bill as a critical element of his educational agenda, reflective of President Donald Trump’s executive order advocating for school choice. “School choice, whether anybody in this circle or this Capitol likes it, is coming,” White stated, emphasizing that the strong support for Trump in Mississippi indicates a broader acceptance of these policies.
Conversely, opponents raised concerns regarding the constitutionality of the bill and its potential negative impact on public schools, particularly those assisting disadvantaged students. They noted an additional issue: the legislation would not cover transportation costs for students wishing to transfer outside their districts, a factor criticized for limiting access for lower-income families.
Ultimately, internal divisions among House Republicans led to the bill’s failure to advance. Some Republicans viewed it as insufficient, calling for broader school choice options, while others advocated starting with a trial program. There was also uncertainty regarding federal involvement in education due to discussions around reducing the U.S. Department of Education’s scope. White remarked on the complexity of reaching a consensus amidst these uncertainties, highlighting that it may have been prudent to pause and reevaluate the proposed measure.
The bill managed to clear the House Education Committee last week through a voice vote, bypassing a formal roll call requested by Democrats, indicating a lack of clarity in support. Members of the committee exhibited varying responses regarding their positions, with some Republicans unwilling to disclose their potential votes. One Republican member, Rep. Dana McLean, even left the meeting when the bill was brought to debate, contributing to the uncertain atmosphere surrounding the legislation.
During private discussions, White reportedly encouraged the committee to move the bill forward, though he did not assure that it would pass the entire House. As lawmakers debated quietly, public school advocates launched a campaign to prevent the bill from advancing before an upcoming legislative deadline. The Mississippi Professional Educators union voiced concerns, suggesting that the bill’s passage could set a precedent for universal school choice policies that would allow all public school students to access taxpayer money for private education.
The debate over school choice in Mississippi intertwines with broader discussions about race and class within education. Critics of school choice assert that such policies might inadvertently lead to the re-segregation of schools, while proponents argue that high-performing districts often resist these measures to avoid admitting students from underprivileged backgrounds.
Despite House Bill 1433’s apparent demise, the House approved another proposal aimed at increasing charter schools in Mississippi, which would enable their establishment in an additional 31 to 35 districts. Critics claim this could further deplete resources from existing public schools, raising questions about its viability in the Senate, where school choice proposals have traditionally met with more resistance.
Roberson highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the Trump administration’s definitions of school choice, expressing concern that prematurely committing to the initial proposal could jeopardize future federal funding. “We gathered in the office to discuss what it means,” he said, reflecting the lack of clarity and consensus among members regarding the implications of the Administration’s educational policies.
