SAANYS Opposes Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program

SAANYS strongly opposes Governor Hochul’s indication that New York will participate in the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program and has issued a public statement to that effect.

Remarks SAANYS Executive Director Jennifer Carlson, “This program essentially creates a tax shelter for donors whose children are already in private schools and diverts public dollars to tax credits that could instead be used to support public schools. Contrary to the governor’s statement, under the current language, donors may not earmark funding to a particular child. Instead, the federal program allows Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) to hold collective funds from donations and retain 10% for administrative functions before distributing scholarship monies to eligible students. This type of program potentially reduces enrollment in public schools and further undermines public education.”

SAANYS is urging its 22,000 members to voice their individual opposition as well, continuing our collective work to support and protect New York State’s robust public education system.