WHEREAS, The California Constitution requires the Legislature to encourage by all suitable means the promotion of intellectual, scientific, moral, and agricultural improvement; and

WHEREAS, Excellence in education is a primary goal of the state; and

WHEREAS, The state’s student body is one of the most diverse in the world and, therefore, requires a diverse educational system; and

WHEREAS, A child’s residence should not determine the quality of that child’s education; and

WHEREAS, All pupils in the state, regardless of background, should have the right to the highest quality schools possible; and

WHEREAS, School choice programs provide pupils and parents with access to high-quality schools; and

WHEREAS, Taxpayers and parents who fund the public school system should be able to choose which school is best for their children; and

WHEREAS, School choice promotes parental involvement; and

WHEREAS, School choice is especially critical for low-income families who often have few educational options; and

WHEREAS, The state recognizes the many high-quality teaching professionals in public and nonpublic schools who are committed to educating children; and

WHEREAS, The state appropriately embraces educational choice in the provision of higher education; and

WHEREAS, Parents, pupils, and teachers in every state across the nation come together each year to recognize school choice and the need for effective education options for all children; now, therefore, be it