A Betsy DeVos-backed group helps fuel a rapid expansion of public money for private schools
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DES MOINES, Iowa — A conservative nonprofit group founded by former Trump administration Education Secretary Betsy DeVos said it poured about $9 million into state elections last year, backing nearly 200 candidates. Now, some of those candidates are pushing a wave of legislation boosting DeVos’ longtime goal: subsidizing private schools with public dollars. Limited time: Save 25% on NBC News subscription Get exclusive reporting, live Q&As and ad-free reading. Using at least $2.
AI Summary
Main Idea: Betsy DeVos and the American Federation for Children used major campaign spending to help push public money toward private schools in several states.
Key Points:
- The group spent about $9 million in state elections last year and backed nearly 200 candidates, many of whom later supported private school funding bills.
- Its money helped drive big policy changes in Florida, Iowa, Arkansas, Texas, Georgia, and Arizona, where lawmakers advanced or passed school choice measures.
- In Iowa, the group helped defeat GOP incumbents who opposed the plan, and the state then passed a law giving every family up to $7,598 for private school costs.
- DeVos and her husband remain major donors to the group, while supporters say the policies help parents and critics warn they weaken public schools.
Impact on the People
Negative Impact
Public money may shift from public schools to private schools, which could strain budgets and widen gaps for families who stay in the public system.
Positive Impact
Supporters say the policy could give some parents more school options and help them find a better fit for their children.
How did each entity affect people?
Rate how each entity in this article affected the American people.
- Primary:American Federation for Childrennonprofit / NGO
- Primary:Secretary Betsy DeVosperson
Candidate Entities10 candidates · 5 weighted vote min · 70% decision
- American Federation for Childrennonprofit / NGOPrimaryEvaluated
Main organization in the story, described as funding elections and pushing school-choice legislation.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Secretary Betsy DeVospersonPrimaryEvaluated
Central figure whose funding, advocacy, and quoted statements drive the article’s focus on private-school subsidies.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Dick DeVospersonMajorAI selected
Named major donor whose money to the organization is part of the article’s central evidence.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Governor Ron DeSantispersonMajorAI selected
Governor whose signing of a major school-choice law is a key development in the article.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Tommy SchultzpersonMajorAI selected
CEO of the American Federation for Children, quoted on the group’s electoral strategy and wins.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - ArkansasstateContextCandidate
Central state where the group targeted incumbents and a sweeping bill passed.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Corey DeAngelispersonContextCandidate
Federation senior fellow quoted supporting the school-choice push.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold
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