An ESA Lesson from Arizona – Jason Bedrick in the City Journal

School-choice policies, like Education Savings Accounts (ESAs), have been rapidly expanding in the U.S. since the pandemic, with 19 states offering them, and more expected to follow. ESAs allow families to use public funds for various educational expenses, including private school tuition and special-needs therapies. Arizona’s experience with ESAs, while initially successful, has turned problematic due to bureaucratic hurdles and delays caused by stricter administrative rules imposed in 2023. These changes, including requiring families to provide detailed curriculum documentation for every purchase, have frustrated many parents and caused long delays in reimbursements. Arizona’s struggles highlight the importance of balanced policy design and effective implementation to avoid undermining the benefits of school-choice programs.