The recent passage of the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act” marks a watershed moment in the decades-long movement for school choice in the United States. For Catholic professionals, especially those invested in strengthening civil society and promoting the dignity of the family, this is not just a political development—it is a call to action.
Under this new legislation, donors to nonprofit scholarship-granting organizations will receive federal tax credits, effectively incentivizing private contributions toward student scholarships. These scholarships, in turn, can be used by families to enroll their children in the schools that best meet their needs—including Catholic schools. The potential impact is enormous: the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), included in the bill, could unlock up to $5 billion annually in scholarship funds if fully implemented across states.
Currently, 18% of Catholic school students benefit from school choice programs, a figure that has grown steadily in recent years. With the passage of this legislation, that number could rise significantly, offering hope to thousands of families seeking a Catholic education for their children but lacking the means to afford it. And the benefits extend beyond tuition—scholarships can also be used for essentials such as books and educational technology.
The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) have long supported parental choice in education, grounded in the Church’s teaching that parents are the primary educators of their children. Sister Dale McDonald, NCEA’s Vice President of Public Policy, noted that this bill offers families meaningful assistance in exercising that right. Meanwhile, John DeJak of the USCCB emphasized that this victory is tempered by caution: the program is optional for states, and key religious liberty protections were stripped from the final bill.
This is where lay Catholic professionals come in.
As the program moves toward implementation, it will require vigilant advocacy—not only at the federal level but especially in individual states, where Catholic voices can have a powerful influence on whether and how the program is adopted. Catholic professionals must engage with their state legislatures, support their diocesan Catholic conferences, and contribute to scholarship organizations that make Catholic education accessible to more families.
Moreover, as people of faith who believe in subsidiarity and the primacy of the family, Catholic leaders in business, law, media, and public service must lend their talents and credibility to defend and promote this policy. We must ensure that Catholic schools retain the freedom to operate according to their mission and that access to them is broadened, not limited, by future regulation.
Yes, concerns remain. Yes, the bill was watered down. But this moment represents a significant breakthrough—and a concrete opportunity to expand access to Catholic education nationwide.
Now is the time for Catholic professionals to step up, speak out, and support school choice as a matter of justice, subsidiarity, and faithful citizenship.
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