Some critics argue that Governor Kathy Hochul is missing an opportunity to support some of New York’s most disadvantaged students in securing crucial scholarships, instead pointing fingers at President Trump.
A new federal tax credit scholarship initiative, led by Republicans, is set to begin next January. This program allows taxpayers in certain states to claim up to $1,700 in tax credits for donating cash to specific scholarship-granting organizations.
The contributions will fund scholarships for students attending both private and public elementary and middle schools throughout the state, potentially amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars in New York alone.
Eligibility for these scholarships is restricted to students whose household income falls below 300% of the area median income.
However, New York students will miss out unless the governor agrees to the state’s participation in the program.
“Kathy Hochul is clearly depriving New York children of opportunity,” remarked Bruce Blakeman, a Republican gubernatorial candidate and Nassau County executive.
Blakeman stated that by opting out of the program, Hochul is hindering access to tutoring, test prep, transportation, and tuition help for students, essentially pushing education funding to other states while telling families in New York that they’ll receive nothing.
He highlighted that Catholic schools and yeshivas could be significantly affected, as they face rising costs and dwindling enrollment while educating tens of thousands of students.
He also made note that the program does not redirect taxpayer money to public schools.
The tax credit initiative was approved as part of a budget proposed last year by a Republican-led Congress and signed by President Trump.
Nevertheless, Hochul’s office clarified that no decision has been reached regarding participation, citing a need for further guidance from the Trump administration.
“The Governor is willing to consider any proposals to assist students and schools, but given the unpredictable nature of federal funding and the President’s concerning history, she’s awaiting regulations and guidance that have yet to arrive,” stated the governor’s office.
Additionally, they pointed out that since the program starts in early 2027, state action isn’t blocking any federal funds at this time, contrary to Blakeman’s claims.
Ryan Radulowacki, representing Hochul’s campaign, emphasized that the governor prioritizes student needs, rejecting Blakeman’s track record in child care as unhelpful and asserting that he fails to address Trump’s policies impacting children in New York.
Blakeman has criticized Hochul’s substantial, taxpayer-funded childcare initiative, arguing it’s untenable given the state’s financial situation.
Dennis Paust, director of the New York State Catholic Conference, expressed optimism that Hochul would eventually choose to engage with the federal tax credit program, suggesting it would be odd not to do so.
But aligning with Trump—even when it seems clear-cut—poses a political challenge for Democratic leaders like Hochul, especially as she gears up for re-election and navigates other political fronts.
Currently, Colorado Governor Jared Polis stands out as the only Democratic governor indicating a willingness to participate in this program.
Arne Duncan, who served as education secretary under former President Obama, argues that the reluctance among Democrats is misplaced. He believes that participating opens up valuable resources for students at no cost to the state.
“Joining the program would not cost the state any education funding,” Duncan asserted in a column he co-authored, claiming that it allows for new private donations to support both public and non-public students without burdening taxpayers.
However, Hochul might be cautious about alienating influential teachers’ unions by endorsing the scholarship program. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, criticized the plan in a letter to the IRS, describing the tax credit as fostering a “permanent school voucher system” and emphasizing the need to enhance public schools rather than abandon them.
