Governor Kathy Hochul has officially opted the state into President Donald Trump’s federal Education Freedom tax-credit scholarship program, opening the door to additional financial assistance for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.
The program, scheduled to begin in 2027, allows taxpayers to claim a federal income tax credit of up to $1,700 for qualifying donations to approved scholarship-granting organizations. Married couples filing jointly may qualify for a combined credit of up to $3,400.
The organizations can use donations to award scholarships that help eligible students pay for educational expenses, including private school tuition, tutoring, after-school enrichment and other qualifying academic services.
For parents struggling with rising education costs, the program could provide another way to access educational opportunities that might otherwise be financially out of reach. Assistance could help families choose schools that better meet their children’s academic needs, obtain additional instruction in subjects where students are struggling, or pay for programs that strengthen learning beyond the regular school day.
“Every parent wants their child to have a great education and the best possible chance to succeed,” Hochul said in her October 9th statement. “That’s what guides my decisions as Governor.”
Hochul said her decision followed a review of federal regulations and was based on the potential for the program to bring additional educational resources into New York without reducing existing public school funding.
“After a careful review of the federal regulations, we believe this program has the potential to bring millions of additional dollars to New York students and families without taking a single dollar from public schools or our state or local budgets,” she said.
The governor also emphasized that participation must benefit students across different educational settings, rather than exclusively those attending private schools.
“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,” Hochul said.
She added that she has been engaging with business leaders who have committed to using the program to support public school students and their academic needs.
“I’m not going to leave money on the table when it could help our kids,” Hochul said.
The governor also pointed to her administration’s investments in public education, saying New York has increased school funding by more than $10 billion and fully funded Foundation Aid for the first time.
Hochul’s decision comes amid a heated debate over school choice. Supporters argue that scholarships can give parents more options and help children receive educational support tailored to their needs. Opponents, including teachers’ unions and public school advocates, warn that the federal initiative could benefit private schools at the expense of public education.
The program’s impact will depend on the scholarship organizations participating, the funding raised through donations and the eligibility rules governing individual scholarships. Families will need to review the requirements to determine whether their children and educational expenses qualify.
For parents who want to provide their children with the strongest possible educational foundation, New York’s participation could create a new opportunity to seek financial help with tuition, tutoring and enrichment programs while the state continues to fund its public schools.
“My commitment to public education has not changed, and it never will,” Hochul said.
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