Pew-nitive Politics: School Choice on the Lesson Plan but Christian Turnout the Final Exam
The fight over who controls children’s education is becoming a defining issue in the battle over religious liberty and parental rights. Rep. Jeff Crank (R-Colorado) has introduced legislation aimed at preventing states from shutting religious and private schools out of a federal education tax-credit program. Craig DeRoche, president and CEO of Family Policy Alliance (FPA), is available to discuss why the legislation matters—and why Christians must turn out at the ballot box this November if they want their values represented in public policy.
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- Rep. Jeff Crank cites Family Policy Alliance in religious education freedom legislation
- Religious Education Liberty Assurance (RELA) Act aims to prevent discrimination against religious schools in tax-credit programs
- Federal education tax credits could help families afford tuition and tutoring
- Family Policy Alliance aims to mobilize 2 million Christians for November midterms
- Christian voter turnout could determine the future of religious liberty and parental rights
Crank’s Religious Education Liberty Assurance (RELA) Act would protect access to the Education Freedom Tax Credit created under the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. The program allows taxpayers to donate up to $1,700 annually to scholarship-granting organizations and receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit. Those organizations can then provide tuition assistance, tutoring, educational supplies and other resources to eligible families. States must opt into the program, and Crank’s bill would prevent participating states from discriminating against private or religious schools when determining where those funds can be used.
Crank specifically cited Family Policy Alliance in his October 9 announcement, highlighting the organization’s support for protecting families and faith-based schools from religious discrimination. FPA welcomed the legislation, emphasizing that parents should not face discrimination because they choose a religious education for their children.
But the policy battle is only half the story. With the November midterm elections approaching, DeRoche and FPA are working to mobilize 2 million Christians to vote. The organization believes one of the biggest obstacles to advancing family-centered policies isn’t a lack of convictions among Christians—it’s the failure of too many to show up on Election Day.
Christians who routinely sit out midterm elections can surrender influence over the very issues they care about most, from religious freedom and school choice to parental rights and the protection of children. Legislative victories require more than public support; they require citizens willing to translate their beliefs into action at the ballot box.
DeRoche can explain what Crank’s legislation would mean for families, why religious schools must remain eligible for educational opportunities, and how Christian voter participation could shape the policy landscape beyond November. As president and CEO of FPA, he brings a national perspective on mobilizing faith communities and turning shared convictions into civic engagement.
The central question for listeners: If Christians want a voice in America’s future, can they afford to stay home on Election Day?
Relevant Article(s):
Rep. Crank Introduces Bill to Expand Educational Freedom | Representative Jeff Crank Rep. Crank Introduces Bill to Expand Educational Freedom | Representative Jeff Crank
Let Parents Parent – Family Policy Alliance
OPTIONAL Q&A:
- What would the Religious Education Liberty Assurance Act change for families choosing religious schools?
- Why does Rep. Jeff Crank believe states should not be allowed to exclude religious schools from federal education tax-credit programs?
- How would the Education Freedom Tax Credit help families afford tuition, tutoring, and other educational expenses?
- Why did Rep. Crank specifically cite Family Policy Alliance in announcing his legislation?
- What happens to religious liberty when states discriminate against schools because of their faith-based mission?
- Why is Family Policy Alliance working to mobilize 2 million Christians to vote in November’s midterm elections?
- How much political influence are Christians giving up when they sit out midterm elections?
- What can Christians do between now and Election Day to help protect religious liberty, parental rights, and school choice?
ABOUT CRAIG DEROCHE…
Craig DeRoche serves as President and CEO of Family Policy Alliance, the central hub of the pro-family movement, equipping citizens, churches, and elected officials to protect children, defend parents’ rights, and advance biblical values through civic engagement. Under Craig’s leadership, FPA and its network of 40 state family policy councils have helped lead major national campaigns including Save Girls Sports, Help Not Harm, After Roe, and Let Parents Parent.
Craig previously served as Speaker of the House in Michigan and president of Justice Fellowship, founded by Watergate figure, Chuck Colson. He is a frequent speaker and author on faith, culture, public policy, and civic engagement and has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Fox News, and Christianity Today. Craig is also a devoted husband and father and the author of Highly Functional and Outrageous Justice.
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