WASHINGTON — The White House is pushing a multi-billion dollar federal tax credit plan for people who donate to school-choice programs.

Some are cheering for the new school choice initiative, while others, especially those on the side of public education, think taxpayer money should not be going toward private education.

U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos is endorsing the $5 billion proposal, called the Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act, which is a federal tax credit for people who donate to school-choice programs.

"A great education shouldn't be determined by luck or by address or by family income," she said.

The plan was proposed in Congress by two senators: Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-Ala.).

"It is big and it is bold," Cruz had said of the proposal.

Government officials say the Education Freedom Scholarships and Opportunity Act is designed to give choices for low-income students.

"If you care about fighting for the future of every kid in America, then you care about school choice. And I believe every child in America has a right to access to excellent education," Cruz said.

The proposal faces an uphill battle in the Democratic-controlled U.S. House. Detractors call the federal tax credit a voucher in disguise for private and religious institutions, demanding that tax dollars should support public schools instead.

Last month, Gov. Ron DeSantis talked about eliminating a waiting list for about 14,000 low-income students to access taxpayer-funded scholarships.