On this episode, Cesar and Sarah sit down with Indiana State Treasurer Daniel Elliott. Daniel isn’t just the man who oversees $16 billion of Hoosier funds—he’s also a passionate advocate for school choice, a dad of four, a former software engineer, and a true Hoosier at heart. Daniel shares his personal journey from growing up in rural Jennings County to public service, his family’s diverse education choices, and his strong belief that parents know their kids best.

The focus turns to Indiana’s innovative Education Scholarship Account (ESA) and Career Scholarship Account (CSA) programs. Daniel explains why he believes the Treasurer’s Office is best equipped to manage these programs instead of the Department of Education. He highlights the office’s record of efficiency (including reducing payment processing times from 45 days to just 3 days), significant cost savings, and a parent-centric, flexible approach hailed as the “gold standard” nationwide.

Throughout the episode, you’ll hear real stories about how school choice options—homeschool, charter, public—have benefited Daniel’s own children, and powerful testimonials about ESA’s impact on special needs students. Daniel also addresses recent legislative proposals to move ESA/CSA program oversight, raising concerns about the possible loss of personalized service and program flexibility if transferred to a larger bureaucracy.

Key Takeaways:

Daniel Elliott’s Background:
Growing up in Southern Indiana, being first in his family to attend college, and his move from IT to public service.

School Choice Journey:
The Elliott family's hands-on experiences with public school, homeschool, and charter schools for their four children.

Inside Indiana’s ESA & CSA Programs:

What the programs offer (customized education funding for special needs students and career/apprenticeship pathways).

Why the Treasurer’s Office administers these programs, not the Department of Education.

Dramatic improvements in efficiency, provider options, and direct, responsive service to families.

Parent-Centric Approach:
How Daniel’s team listens to parents and adapts the programs to fit real needs—plus why this nimble, small-business style model works better than traditional bureaucracy.

Advocacy and Legislative Concerns:
The potential risk to families if ESA/CSA oversight moves to a larger agency, and Daniel’s appeal for lawmakers to keep the program where it is.

How Listeners Can Help:

Parents: Share feedback and personal success stories with officials.

All: Reach out to Indiana lawmakers to support school choice and the Treasurer’s Office’s continued oversight.

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For more information about school choice and the Indiana Choice Scholarship Program, visit our website at https://www.i4qed.org