Education Savings Accounts for All North Dakota Students Passes State Senate

State Sen. Michelle Axtman, R-Bismarck. (Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)

(Michael Achterling – North Dakota Monitor) – A bill to provide Education Savings Accounts for all North Dakota students cleared the Senate on a 25-22 vote.

The bill will advance to the House of Representatives for its consideration.

Senate Bill 2400, sponsored by Sen. Michelle Axtman, R-Bismarck, would provide every North Dakota K-12 student with $500 to use toward educational expenses such as private school tuition, tutoring, text books, school meals, mental health services and educational camps, among others. Private school students who meet household income limitations could be eligible for up to $3,500. Homeschool students would each receive $500 in their accounts.

“I’m ecstatic,” Axtman said. “This bill provides an opportunity for every student and I’m excited to let parents know. I’m excited to let the schools know. I’m excited to let kids know that this is coming their way.”