A STRONG START ON ADVANCING REFORM

[...]that government at any level delivers schooling could be at the heart of lackluster academic outcomes. Since the 1960s, combined federal, state, and local per-pupil spending has nearly tripled in real terms. [...]34 states and the District of Columbia (D.C.) offer parallel state tax deductions and credits for 529 plan contributions, making them attractive savings vehicles. In December 2017, the Trump administration filed an amicus brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the 1977 Abood v. Detroit Board of Education decision, which allowed public-sector unions, including teachers unions, to collect fees even when an employee declines membership. In sum, within a year’s time the administration has repealed onerous guidance associated with ESSA that would have infused a level of prescription on par with what prevailed under NCLB; restored decisions about school bathroom policy to localities; worked to ensure due process for the accused in cases of sexual assault allegations on college campuses; and advanced school choice in an appropriate way through existing federal policy, reauthorizing the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program, and empowering families across the country with choice through expanded 529 savings plans.