Chair Cassidy, Bennet Introduce Legislation Supporting Charter School Students

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA), chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and Michael Bennet (D-CO) reintroduced the Equitable Access to School Facilities Act, legislation that ensures charter schools can access public property and provide federal grants to states for charter school facilities. The grants, available from the Federal Charter Schools Program, can be used by charter schools to acquire and renovate existing facilities, cover ongoing facilities costs, or create a reserve fund for future acquisition, renovation, or maintenance. 

“When families have the opportunity to send their child to a charter school, they are empowered to choose the best education that meets their child’s needs,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This legislation strengthens charter schools, giving them greater tools to help children succeed in the classroom.” 

“All students deserve a high-quality education that prepares them for success in college and career. Across Colorado, charter schools improve student achievement and provide students with the flexibility and innovative teaching they need,” said Senator Bennet. “National Charter Schools Week is an opportunity to recognize educators and school leaders for their outstanding work and dedication to their students and communities.”

“Access to appropriate and affordable school buildings is one of the biggest barriers to charter school growth,” said Starlee Coleman, President & CEO, National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. “Expanding the types of state and local charter facilities funding programs that qualify for the State Facilities Incentive Grant (SFIG) matching funds would have a huge impact on schools’ ability to serve more students.” 

The Equitable Access to School Facilities Act: 

• Improves charter schools’ access to facilities funding and financing within a state by reducing gaps in funding between charter schools and other public schools and adding a revolving loan fund; 
• Promotes charter schools’ utilization of public buildings without a federal interest; and 
• Increases charter schools’ access to facilities located in low-income and rural communities. 

Read the full bill text here.

Read the full one-pager here.

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