AACS Today

In this episode, Jamison is joined by Paul Smith, the founder and executive director of Citizen Impact, a ministry that bridges the gap between churches and public policy. Jamison and Paul discuss Peach State politics and how citizens can influence their government. You can check out more of Paul's work at Citizen Impact.

Join Olivia and Matt as they recount the blessings from the 2025 Youth Legislative Training Conference. Students from all over the country descended on Washington for a week of learning, fun, and growth. From the mock senate to the day on Capitol Hill to meeting with congressional representatives to touring the sights of the city, the students had an amazing week!

We especially want to thank our donors who helped make this week possible!

Join Olivia, Jamison, and Matt as they discuss the historical first meeting of President Trump's Religious Liberty Commission. Established by a May 1 Executive Order and chaired by Texas Lt. Gov Dan Patrick, the Commission, "shall produce a comprehensive report on the foundations of religious liberty in America, the impact of religious liberty on American society, current threats to domestic religious liberty, strategies to preserve and enhance religious liberty protections for future generations, and programs to increase awareness of and celebrate America’s peaceful religious pluralism."

AACS Government Relations Assistant, Olivia Summers, was privileged to attend this meeting, and in this episode she shares some of the biggest takeaways from the discussion.

Jessica Valente from Tabernacle Christian School in Hickory, North Carolina, was selected as one of the 2025 Teachers of the Year by the Herzog Foundation, and on this episode, she shares her heart for teaching students with special needs. Be sure to listen to catch her suggestions for how you can begin a program at your school!

Jamison and Matt interview AACS interns, Hudson and Hayden, on day 2 of their journey as summer interns for the AACS Washington office. Listen in to get to know them, and be sure to pray for them this summer!

Jamison and Matt discuss how the religious liberty language came to be reinstated in the school choice version of the Big Beautiful Bill Act (ECCA portion). They also break down a few of the potential problems with some of the provisions that remain in the bill.  Finally, they break down how religious liberty precedents set by the Supreme Court undergird the need for the religious liberty language to remain in the Senate version of the bill. 

*Be sure to listen to the program note at the end of the podcast as there is a very important update since the original recording.

In this episode, Jamison and Matt look at the importance of religious liberty in our country and why its worth fighting for when it comes to federal school choice legislation in the, "big beautiful bill."

In this episode, Jamison and Matt continue their discussion of the philosophy and principles of school choice. In Part 2 of "Back to the Basics," Jamison and Matt look at the different types of school choice programs around the country. From vouchers and ESAs to tax credit scholarships and tax credits, there are a number of programs in states around the country.

If you missed part 1, be sure to listen to it here!

In Part 1 of "Back to the Basics," Jamison and Matt take a journey that goes all the way back to the beginning of public education in the United States even before the country officially formed. The journey continues into the mid 1800s and early 1900s as cultural and philosophical trends as well as legislation and court decisions changed the trajectory of American education and set the stage for the modern day school choice movement.

Just last week, the Texas House of Representatives passed an education savings account (ESA) bill, and now, the bill is headed for Governor Abbott's desk. On this episode, Jamison interviews Matt about the specifics of the bill and what other state leaders can learn from the process in Texas. Is everything bigger in Texas? Be sure to listen to find out!