SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — The clock’s ticking for Governor Bob Ferguson to make a decision on a tax credit program meant to fund K-12 education scholarships.
President Donald Trump’s Education Freedom Tax Credit is intended to give families greater access to private education options, but not everyone supports the measure.
Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and congressman Michael Baumgartner were at Chesterton Academy of Notre Dame, a private school in Spokane Valley, on Monday, urging the governor to opt in. They say this tax credit program will give families more choices about their kids’ education.
“The families here at Chesterton remind us what is possible when parents can choose an education that reflects their values and meets their child’s needs, and more families deserve that freedom,” McMahon said. “Governor Ferguson, what are you waiting for? Put Washington families first and opt in.”
The Department of Education says the credit is meant to encourage people to donate to organizations that give out scholarships.
Under the program, if people donate to those organizations, they can get up to a $1,700 tax credit per individual. The thinking is that with more scholarship dollars, families will have greater access to private education options including private schools and tutoring.
Critics of the program argue it takes money away from public schools by encouraging families to choose private education. Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal opposes the program, calling for the governor to opt out.
Rep. Baumgartner argues it’s a way to improve education without increasing taxes.
“How can you continue to tell the taxpayers you need yet another tax increase or ‘We’re gonna have to cut funding here,’ when there’s education dollars available right now to help students through this new federal program?” Baumgartner said.
31 states have opted in already, including Idaho.
Ferguson has until January 1 to make a decision. The governor’s office said he is still reviewing the program rules.
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