While some states are working to make education freedom a reality for all families, others are taking a step backward. Georgia is one such state, where state lawmakers in the House voted down a school choice initiative last month.

Senate Bill 233 would have expanded Georgia’s voucher program to give $6,500 to the families of Georgia public school students in the bottom 25% academically. It passed the state Senate but was voted down in the House, 89-85. Republican leadership was united behind the bill, showing that they understand the need for choice. But only one state Democrat voted in favor, and more than a dozen Republicans joined the rest of the Democrats in opposition, helping kill the bill this session.

These representatives turned their back on their constituents.

Polls show that 71% of Georgia voters support school choice. Among Republican primary voters, specifically, 79% back education freedom initiatives. Likewise, 64% of Georgia Democratic voters support empowering families. Even across racial and ethnic lines, an overwhelming majority support giving families power over their children’s education: Black (66%), Hispanic (68%), and Asian (66%) Americans, according to RealClearResearch.

The problem wasn’t just on the GOP side.

State Rep. Mesha Mainor, a black Democratic legislator who represents many students in need of choice, spoke out in favor of the bill and was the only Democrat to vote yes on SB 233. Members of her party weren’t happy about it and are already promising to launch a primary challenge against her. Mainor represents a failing school district and was trying to fight for the families there, but the party is threatening her instead of working to hold to account the systems that are failing her constituents.

The only thing standing in Georgia families’ way is the legislators currently holding office. As parents become more familiar with their options and the places in which they will be empowered, I would expect more families to start voting with their feet and seeking out the places that best serve them.

I know that’s what my family would have done.

This conversation is important to me because school choice changed the trajectory of my family’s life, producing four college graduates, four who are currently in university, and four more who will follow suit. We were an immigrant family with limited resources, but our futures were unlimited because of Florida’s school choice programs. Giving parents the decision-making in their children’s education is vital.

Perhaps Georgia families will consider moving across the border to Florida, where state lawmakers just passed a bill this month to expand choice to each and every student. Florida has been leading the way in school choice for decades now, and many families like mine have benefited from having access to quality schools.

But I know our Georgia neighbors will keep fighting, and we Floridians will stand alongside them. Georgia’s families deserve as much choice as their neighbors have so that every student can thrive.

Hera Varmah is a communications & events assistant at the American Federation for Children and a graduate of Florida’s school choice programs.