Phoenix – Former Congressman and Republican gubernatorial candidate Matt Salmon issued the following statement about this morning's House Ways and Means Committee hearing:

"Freedom is the foundation of any successful educational system. Every parent across Arizona deserves the opportunity to choose the school that best fits their children's individual needs, and they should be able to take their tax dollars with them.

"Our state has been a leader in school choice from the very beginning, and we will continue to be. I am incredibly grateful to our state lawmakers for introducing House Bill 2853, and I encourage everyone who believes in educational excellence to vote 'Yes' on this legislation and allow students to unleash their full potential through Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs)."