ROCKVILLE, MD  (April 7, 2016) — The Maryland Public Policy Institute today congratulated Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and members of the General Assembly for enacting Maryland’s first-ever school choice program on a bipartisan vote.  The vote marks the culmination of more than a decade of work by families, policymakers and advocates to give parents a greater voice in the education system.   

The Maryland House and Senate recently passed the Fiscal Year 2017 budget, which includes $5 million for the Broadening Options and Opportunities for Students Today program, known as BOOST, to fund approved private-school scholarships for low-income students trapped in failing schools.

“Maryland has finally sided with families who dream of a better life for their children,” said Christopher B. Summers, president of the Institute.  “Our state is home to many excellent public schools, but too many children from low-income backgrounds have been robbed of their one shot at a great education by being forced to attend failing schools.  This legislation is a win for everybody – especially Maryland families.  We commend Governor Hogan and the Maryland General Assembly for their leadership.”  

The Institute has published extensive research highlighting the benefits of school choice programs.  A full list of research can be found at mdpolicy.org.

About the Maryland Public Policy Institute: Founded in 2001, the Maryland Public Policy Institute is a nonpartisan public policy research and education organization that focuses on state policy issues. The Institute’s mission is to formulate and promote public policies at all levels of government based on principles of free enterprise, limited government, and civil society.  Learn more at mdpolicy.org.

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