Bishops’ Statement on Passage of HB 563 – School Choice

The Bishops of Kentucky have issued the following statement following the passage of HB 563. A PDF copy of the statement may be downloaded by clicking here.

We applaud the Kentucky legislature for the passage of House Bill 563. This legislation provides more opportunities for parents with limited financial means to decide where their children will best thrive, whether in public or non-public schools. And, because of other forms of assistance in HB 563 that benefit children in public and non-public schools, it will serve students in need throughout the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

We thank Representative Chad McCoy, Speaker David Osborne, Senator Ralph Alvarado and many other elected officials for their support of this much-needed legislation. Kentucky now joins the majority of states in the nation that have some form of educational choice available to families.

We also extend our deep thanks to Charles Leis, President, of EdChoice Kentucky, and Andrew Vandiver, Associate Director, of the Catholic Conference of Kentucky, as well as so many other staff and volunteers who worked on this legislation.

There are countless stories of students whose lives have been changed for the better by the simple act of giving them the same choices already enjoyed by wealthy families. We are very grateful that Kentucky families in need now have more opportunities to benefit because of HB 563. 

Most Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, Archbishop of Louisville

Most Reverend Roger J. Foys, Bishop of Covington

Most Reverend William F. Medley, Bishop of Owensboro

Most Reverend John Stowe, OFM, Conv., Bishop of Lexington