A call to action
At the last All Parent Meeting I gave an update on the Federal Tax Credit Program. This program, which our governor opted to participate in, will allow taxpayers to receive a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 annually for contributions made to nonprofit scholarship-granting organizations that help families access educational options—public or private. It is a federally created school choice program and has potential to be a blessing to our school community.
The federal law allows states some latitude in creating guidelines and requirements on how the funds are distributed. This brings me to the purpose of my writing. Just introduced into the Colorado house is HB1292. This bill would:
- Impose nondiscrimination provisions that conflict with our school’s sincerely held beliefs. At present there is no carve out for faith-based schools.
- Require special education service obligations that are financially unrealistic for most private schools.
- These requirements will force FRCS to choose between our faith and constitutional rights and participation in the scholarship program. We will, now and always, choose our faith.
Keeping this program available to faith-based schools is a fight worth fighting. Now is the time to get involved and to let elected officials know what you want. HB 1292 will be heard in the House Education Committee on March 12. If you would like to engage, there are two primary ways to do so:
- Submit a Letter to the House Education Committee members
- Members of the public may submit written comments to the committee ahead of the hearing.
- You can find the list of House Education Committee members here.
- Testify at the Hearing
- Individuals may testify either in-person at the Capitol or remotely via Zoom
- To sign up to testify, visit: https://sites.coleg.gov/public-testimony/sign-up-to-testify/step-1
- Once you are registered, locate HB 1292 (Scholarship Granting Organizations) under the House Education Committee for March 12 and complete the sign-up process. Testimony is typically limited to two minutes per person, so plan your remarks accordingly.
- When engaging, remember you are representing both your Savior and our school so remain respectful, concise, and focused on how this bill would affect your/our students and educational opportunity in Colorado.
As followers of Christ, I do not believe that we should run and hide during times of turmoil. We are called to stand upon the Truth as loving, grace-filled champions of that which is pleasing to our Father. We can’t do that from the sidelines, nor can we do it running away to somewhere more comfortable for our beliefs, or grumbling with each other in our ideological echo chambers. We must do so by rising up where the Lord has placed us, striving to establish and preserve all that is noble, beautiful and true. If we are committed to creating students who are culture makers for Christ, then we must first show them how. I come to you today challenging you to do just that…show them.
I do not know if we will win this battle, but I do know it is one worth fighting.
One Response
Friends. Here’s a sample letter you can write.
Dear Members of the House Education Committee,
I am writing regarding HB 1292 and the proposed rules governing scholarship-granting organizations connected to the federal tax credit program.
My family values the opportunity to choose an education that aligns with our convictions and our children’s needs. Programs that allow taxpayers to support scholarships expand educational opportunity for many Colorado families who would otherwise have limited options.
As written, HB 1292 creates requirements that may unintentionally exclude faith-based schools from participating. The nondiscrimination provisions and special education obligations appear to conflict with the sincerely held beliefs and operational realities of many private religious schools. For schools like Front Range Christian School, participation could require compromising core beliefs or accepting financial obligations that are not feasible.
The result would be fewer educational options for families rather than more. Many parents choose faith-based schools precisely because they provide an environment consistent with their values and mission. Policies that effectively remove those schools from the program would undermine the goal of expanding access to diverse educational opportunities.
I respectfully ask the committee to consider amendments that protect the participation of faith-based schools while still advancing the program’s goals. Colorado families benefit when educational choice includes a wide range of schools that can operate according to their mission and convictions.
Thank you for your time and for your service to the students and families of Colorado.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[City], Colorado