Leaders of the nationâs largest teachers unions recently sent a letter urging Democratic governors to refrain from participating in the new federal Education Freedom Tax Credit. Their message was all too familiar: They believe this initiative threatens public education and it should be rejected.
Their characterization is simply inaccurate.
It ignores the fact that this initiative benefits students across every educational setting â not just those attending private schools and risks misleading families about one of the most significant opportunities to expand educational support in generations.
Whenever families gain greater access to educational options, opponents claim that resources will be diverted from public schools. The same talking points have been used against charter schools, tax-credit scholarships, education savings accounts and virtually every reform that gives parents more flexibility in their childrenâs education. Now theyâre being recycled against the Education Freedom Tax Credit.
The facts tell a very different story.
Beginning in 2027, donors with a federal tax liability can receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for donations to qualified scholarship granting organizations. Donors make a qualifying contribution, file their taxes, and receive the credit. Rather than sending that $1,700 to the Internal Revenue Service, they can direct it toward expanding educational opportunity for students in public and private schools and homeschool students â using the tax code to encourage charitable giving that invests directly in students.
Contrary to what opponents suggest, the Education Freedom Tax Credit does not redirect state education funding. It wonât reduce a districtâs budget. It wonât force a family to leave a public school. Instead, it creates a new stream of privately funded educational support through charitable giving.
No district budget will be touched. Funding for neighborhood public schools will not be reduced.
Instead, charitable contributions can help eligible students obtain private school tuition. Students who remain in public schools could gain access to tutoring, specialized services, advanced coursework, educational technology and other resources that might otherwise be out of reach.
This opportunity should not be viewed as a threat to public education. Itâs a way to support students wherever they learn.
Americaâs education system is under real strain. Despite decades of increased spending, too many students struggle to master basic reading and math skills, fall behind grade level and graduate without the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.
We also know that depression, suicide, and anxiety are at an all-time high. Parents see these challenges firsthand and are seeking options. The Education Freedom Tax Credit offers part of the solution.
For the first time, the federal tax code is being used to unlock charitable giving at a national scale and connect students with educational opportunities tailored to their needs.
Across the country, participation in educational choice programs has expanded dramatically in recent years. Polling shows that 70% of school parents support their state participating in the federal tax credit, while only 9% oppose it. Parents want more flexibility, more resources, and more opportunities. Donors will be eager to help meet those needs.
Teachers unions have made their position clear: they would rather protect political control than give families more educational opportunity. For too long, powerful interests have treated families as if they exist to serve schools. The reality is the opposite: schools exist to serve students and families.
Governors now face a straightforward choice. They can participate and allow students in their states to benefit from educational resources generated by taxpayers within their own communities, or they can watch those resources flow to students in participating states.
They should listen to families, not the special interests propping up the status quo and ensure their kids have access to the opportunities this new initiative will provide.
The question should never be, âWhat protects the system?â The question should be, âWhat helps this child flourish?â
Norton Rainey is the CEO of ACE ScholarshipsÂ
The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of the Daily Caller News Foundation.
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