Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Washington, D.C. (January 24, 2012) - As tens of thousands of Americans attend National School Choice Week events in every state, the governors or state legislatures of 27 states and territories have issued proclamations officially recognizing the history making celebration, organizers said today.

Supporters of National School Choice Week are calling for increased access to good public schools, public charter schools, private schools, magnet schools, virtual education, and homeschooling.

In addition to "School Choice Week" proclamations by 24 governors (including the Governor of Puerto Rico), the state legislatures in Delaware, Georgia, Tennessee, and Illinois have officially recognized the Week with special resolutions. Mayors of large US cities, including Phoenix, Las Vegas, Indianapolis, and Denver, have also recognized "School Choice Week" in their respective areas.

National School Choice Week's universal appeal has been highlighted by support from commentators and strategists on both sides of the political aisle – James Carville, Joe Trippi, and Dick Morris, for example – along with backing by world-renowned entertainers like Bill Cosby, who hosted a special "State of American Education" town hall meeting last night along with National School Choice Week leaders.

In the US House and Senate, elected leaders have issued statements of support for National School Choice Week – beginning with a floor speech yesterday by South Carolina Rep. Jeff Duncan (R). Today, US Senator Joe Lieberman announced his full support for National School Choice Week, declaring that he is "proud to stand with the thousands of parents, children, and reformers all across the country who are participating in the second annual National School Choice Week."

"Support for school choice in America is more apparent today than ever before," said Andrew Campanella, vice president of public affairs for National School Choice Week. "National School Choice Week demonstrates that it doesn't matter how much money you have, who you're voting for, or where you live—people across this country want excellent educational opportunities for children and are willing to stand up and demand those options."

Events are taking place across the country. To learn more, or to find an event near you, visit www.SchoolChoiceWeek.com