Moms are leading the charge for improved school choices – it’s time for everyone to stand with them

There is a hidden story behind the education freedom movement sweeping the nation, and it involves some overlooked heroes.

This story came to light in Nebraska on Wednesday.

During this time, Gov. Jim Pillen signed a significant school-choice law, with much credit going to the legislative champion of the policy — state Sen. Lou Ann Linehan.

She joins a long list of women leaders who have been instrumental in advancing education freedom.

In fact, without the contributions of women, this revolution would not have taken place.

Since 2021, 11 states have implemented universal education freedom, including education savings accounts that empower families to make choices about where to allocate funds for their children’s education.

Just last year, there were more laws supporting education freedom than in the past 50 years combined.

These historic achievements owe a lot to Iowa, where Gov. Kim Reynolds laid the groundwork for success — both in Iowa and across the country — even before Iowa passed a universal ESA law in January 2023.

When Reynolds faced obstacles in 2022 with the state legislature, she took a bold step by supporting primary opponents of lawmakers who were against ESAs.

Her chosen candidates won easily, paving the way for transformative legislation in Iowa in 2023.

Reynolds did not limit her efforts to just her state.

In late 2022, she assumed the role of chair of the Republican Governors Association, setting priorities for 27 GOP-led states following the midterm elections.

She made ESAs a top priority, encouraging fellow governors to pass them quickly while offering policy support and media coverage.

She led by example in Iowa, and in the months that followed, other states followed suit.

Another state led by a female leader who went above and beyond is Arkansas, with Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders.

It took only seven weeks from her call for ESAs to the signing of the law.

Similar to Reynolds, she has assisted other governors in navigating political hurdles to pass this agenda, demonstrating that education freedom is particularly beneficial for rural areas.

When Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee introduced his ESA bill in late 2023, Sanders stood by his side — showcasing her impact on the national discourse.

Gov. Kay Ivey of Alabama moved even more swiftly.

She signed ESAs into law just three-and-a-half weeks after advocating for them in her state-of-the-state address in February.

Outside of the governor’s offices, female legislators have been leading the charge for ESAs.

In North Carolina, Rep. Tricia Cotham was the deciding vote for ESAs in 2023.

She changed parties specifically to empower families with greater education freedom.

Why have so many women played such a crucial role in empowering families?

It may be due to the fact that many of them are mothers and grandmothers.

Reynolds, for example, has 11 grandchildren who deserve the best education possible.

Sanders has three school-age children who will be eligible for ESAs next year.

Mothers are often more in tune with their children’s needs and more invested in providing them with the best educational opportunities.

Since women frequently play a key role in family decision-making — particularly regarding spending and education — it makes sense that they would advocate for a policy that gives their families more freedom and flexibility in choosing schools.

Aside from elected positions, numerous school-choice organizations are rallying mothers to support and utilize this newfound freedom.

As the 2024 elections approach, suburban mothers are poised to play a pivotal role in rewarding elected officials who have promoted education freedom — and potentially penalizing those who have not.

According to a YouGov poll in 2023, 77% of mothers believe that making K-12 education more flexible would enhance America’s education system, with 68% supporting education savings accounts.

Over the past three years, over 20 million students have been granted unprecedented freedom to access better schools and secure a brighter future.

There is still much work to be done, especially in states that have not yet enacted universal education freedom.

Ultimately, every state should empower families and students to choose the education that best suits them, regardless of their income, abilities, or location.

Principled women in elected positions have led the way, but it is now up to a variety of leaders to complete the task.

Erica Jedynak serves as the COO of yes. every kid., with Shannon Pahls acting as public affairs director.