At a rally on the West Lawn of the Ohio Statehouse, Speaker of the Ohio House William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) and House Majority Floor Leader Matt Huffman (R-Lima) today spoke to hundreds of school choice supporters about the importance of educational options in Ohio. The rally united advocacy groups, families and lawmakers in an effort to expand school choice in Ohio, including private schools, charter schools, virtual schools and home schools.

“Empowering parents to make the best educational decisions for their children is one of the most integral steps we can take toward an education system that benefits students, first and foremost,” said Batchelder. “We cannot afford to fall short of providing children with an education that fits their own unique needs.”

Huffman—who sponsored House Bill 136 to expand educational options for low- and middle-income families through scholarships—said that he hopes to see every child in Ohio have access to a quality education in Ohio. “There is truly nothing more important than giving our children, the next generation of leaders, the tools to succeed and become innovative thinkers,” Huffman said. “The rally today proved just how vital school choice is to our communities and Ohio’s families.”

Other speakers at the rally included Lieutenant Governor Mary Taylor, Secretary of State Jon Husted, Treasurer of State Josh Mandel, State Representative Bill Patmon, State Senator Keith Faber, Congressman Jim Jordan, and other interested parties and individuals.

The rally was hosted by Coalition to Empower Parents Through School Choice in Ohio, in partnership with School Choice Ohio, Ohio Coalition for Quality Education, PACE, American Federation for Children, Harambee Christian School, Columbus Torah Academy, Agudath Israel of America, the Foundation For Educational Choice, and many other supporters.