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Dr. Stephen Skoly Calls on All Rhode Island Gubernatorial Candidates to Commit to Opting In to Federal Education Freedom Tax Credit — At Zero Cost to State Taxpayers

2nd District Congressional Candidate and Former RI Center for Freedom & Prosperity Chairman Says Ocean State Families Cannot Afford to Be Left Behind

CRANSTON, R.I., May 20, 2026 — Dr. Stephen “Doc” Skoly, DMD, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, former Chairman of the Rhode Island Center for Freedom & Prosperity, and Republican candidate for Rhode Island’s 2nd Congressional District, today called on all candidates seeking the office of Governor of Rhode Island to publicly commit to opting Rhode Island in to the new federal Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC), which would unlock privately funded K–12 scholarships for an estimated 95% of Rhode Island families at no cost to state or local budgets.

“Rhode Island’s symbol is the Anchor of Hope, but right now we are anchoring our kids to a system that is failing them,” said Dr. Skoly. “Only about a third of our students are proficient in math or reading, and we spend more per pupil than nearly every other state in the nation. Our families deserve better, and they deserve choices.”

The Education Freedom Tax Credit, signed into law in 2025 as part of H.R. 1, is the first permanent, uncapped federal tax credit for K–12 school choice in American history. Beginning January 1, 2027, taxpayers may donate up to $1,700 to qualifying nonprofit Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) and receive a 100% dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit. Those donations fund scholarships that families can use for tuition, tutoring, special needs services, materials, transportation, and technology at the school of their choice — public, private, charter, religious, homeschool, or virtual.

States participate by having their governor submit a list of qualifying SGOs to the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury. No new state spending, no new legislation, and no General Assembly approval is required.

“This is the easiest ‘yes’ any governor will ever face,” Dr. Skoly continued. “It costs Rhode Island taxpayers nothing. It does not take a dime from public schools. It simply gives Ocean State families a fair shot at the same opportunities that families in states like Florida, Texas, and Indiana already enjoy. Every candidate seeking to lead this state owes voters a clear answer: will you opt Rhode Island in, or will you stand by while our taxpayers’ scholarship dollars flow to children in other states? Our kids cannot afford another leader who hesitates.”

Dr. Skoly noted that demand for educational alternatives in Rhode Island already far outpaces supply. Charter schools in the state receive more than five applications for every available seat, according to the Rhode Island Senate Fiscal Office, and non-district public school enrollment has grown by more than 1,400% since 2000.

Dr. Skoly, who served on the board of the Rhode Island Center for Freedom & Prosperity for six years — including as Chairman — has long been involved in Ocean State public policy debates on healthcare, education, and individual liberty. The Rhode Island Center for Freedom & Prosperity is Rhode Island’s leading free-enterprise public policy research and advocacy organization. A nonprofit and nonpartisan organization, the Center is dedicated to providing concerned citizens, the media, and public officials with empirical research data while advancing market-based solutions to major policy issues in the state.

“As your next congressman, I will fight in Washington to actively expand education tax credits and give every American family the freedom to choose the school that fits their child,” Dr. Skoly added. “Unfortunately, too many members of Congress — including my opponent, Seth Magaziner — voted against H.R. 1, the very legislation that created the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit. When Rhode Island families needed a champion in Washington, they got a ‘no’ vote instead. Our students deserve a congressman who will fight for their futures, not against them.”

“As a surgeon, I have spent my career caring for Rhode Islanders. As a citizen and a candidate, I am asking every Rhode Islander running for Governor to do the same — by giving our kids access to the education that fits them best. We do not need more studies. We do not need more delays. We need leadership. We need ‘Bright Today Scholarships’ for Rhode Island.”

Dr. Skoly is urging every candidate for Rhode Island Governor — from every party — to publicly pledge to begin soliciting SGO applications on day one so that Rhode Island can be ready for the program’s January 2027 launch. He is also calling on Rhode Island residents, faith leaders, and education advocates to contact gubernatorial candidates directly and demand a clear answer on where they stand.

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Paid for by The Friends of Stephen T. Skoly. Not authorized by any other candidate or candidate’s committee.