NY Governor Intends to Opt In to Tax Credit Scholarships

New York Governor Kathy Hochul said she intends to opt in to the new federal scholarship tax credit, pending a review of further "information from the federal government." Highly anticipated program rules are expected to be released by the U.S. Treasury Department this summer. New York's participation would represent the first opportunity residents of the nation's fourth largest state by population have had to benefit from a school choice program that includes private schools. The tax credit goes live on January 1, 2027.

Anti-Private School Bill Beaten Back in Colorado

Legislation in Colorado seeking to implement punitive regulatory measures against private schools that accept funding from scholarship granting organizations has been indefinitely postponed. Colorado Governor Jared Polis has declared his support for opting in to the new federal scholarship tax credit and the anti-private schools legislation was widely seen as pushback to his decision from opponents of school choice.

Education Secretary Says Special Ed May Still Be Moved

On April 28, Education Secretary Linda McMahon testified before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies. When asked about the possibility of moving special education programs out of the Department of Education, Secretary McMahon answered:

Currently, we are still evaluating where those programs would best be located, and we have not made that determination yet. We are looking at the Department of Labor for some of its programs. We're also looking at HHS for a potential home for some of those programs.

Second Lady's Summer Reading Challenge

Second Lady Usha Vance is inviting students in grades K-8 to participate in her Summer Reading Challenge. From June 1 through September 4, students are encouraged to read 12 books and keep their minds active all summer long. Participants will be eligible for prizes and a chance to visit Washington D.C. The challenge aims to foster a lifelong appreciation for reading, build strong literacy skills, and help students head back to school confident and prepared. To sign up and learn more, visit WH.gov/read.