New York Governor Signs On to Trump’s School Choice Program
On Friday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced her support for President Donald Trump’s school choice initiative, despite facing backlash from teachers’ unions.
“Every parent wants their child to have a great education and the best possible chance to succeed. That’s what guides my decisions as Governor,” Hochul stated during her announcement.
She emphasized the importance of public schools, noting that “New York’s public schools are the backbone of communities across this state.” Hochul highlighted her administration’s significant investments in education, including more than $10 billion in increased funding and the initial full funding of Foundation Aid.
However, major labor groups and teachers’ unions are firmly opposed to her decision. A coalition of teachers’ unions and advocates for public schools has initiated a petition urging Hochul to reconsider her participation in the program. The petition argues that “most New Yorkers haven’t even heard of this program or know how it will affect New York,” and expresses concern that taxpayer money would subsidize private school tuition for families who do not use public schools.
Sydney Altfield, the Founder of Scholarships for All and CEO of Teach Coalition, praised Hochul’s move, calling it a “tremendous day for New Yorkers.” She argued that millions of children across the state will gain access to scholarships for various educational needs, including tutoring and after-school programs.
The Department of the Treasury and the IRS proposed regulations on October 1 to establish the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC) program, facilitating the first nationwide school choice initiative. This program offers individual taxpayers a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for contributions to nonprofit scholarship-granting organizations. Still, it requires state governors to formally opt in for local entities to participate.
As of now, over half the U.S. states have signed up for the program, and some experts believe that competitive pressure will force blue states to join in. Education Secretary Linda McMahon noted that opposition from some Democratic leaders has been primarily due to its association with Trump.
Democratic governors who have historically resisted school choice initiatives may find themselves under increased pressure to support Trump’s program, especially as Hochul moves forward with her decision.
Notably, Kentucky has joined the federal program after the state legislature overrode Governor Andy Beshear’s veto regarding the opt-in legislation.
The tax credit scholarships differ from traditional voucher systems, which draw from public education funds. Instead, they enable taxpayers to redirect a portion of their federal tax obligations toward funding student scholarships through nonprofit organizations.
Hochul remarked, “I’ve been clear from the start that New York would participate in the federal scholarship tax credit program if, and only if, all schools and students, including those in our public schools, could benefit.” She expressed determination not to let an opportunity slip away that could benefit children in New York. “That’s why I have also been directly engaging with business leaders,” she added.
The announcement arrives amid a national conversation on school choice, as demands for alternative education options have surged, particularly in the wake of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hochul’s move aligns with a growing trend among some Democrats to reconsider their stance on educational options.
