In today’s The Virginian-Pilot, Thomas Jefferson Institute Senior Advisor and Former President Chris Braunlich discusses Virginia’s participation in the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC) for K-12 students which, starting in 2027, will give taxpayers a dollar for dollar federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for donations to scholarship programs offering students in public and private schools funds they can spend on education-related expenses like after-school programs, books, fees, supplies, tutoring, technology, transportation, tuition, room and board, and targeted services for students with disabilities.
Citing a new analysis by Education Reform Now showing that a 30% taxpayer participation rate could generate more than $731 million for education for Virginia students each year, Braunlich writes:
“But when (Governor Glenn) Youngkin opted to have Virginia participate in the program, the usual suspects of opposition roared immediate disapproval, appalled that private donations might find their way to help private school students. The state teachers union, the Virginia Education Association, led the way by declaring it was too soon to decide whether to participate in the tax credit but, in any event, Virginia parents should be prevented from receiving any scholarships.”
Braunlich, a former President of the Virginia State Board of Education, notes that:
“this “Just Say No” approach flies in the face of the recommendation from former Obama Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Jorge Elorza, CEO of Democrats for Education Reform (DFER)…who point out that these are funds that could expand tutoring, special services and learning time without reducing state education budgets by a penny.”
Braunlich closes noting opting out.
“would drive Virginia donations away from the state. But other states have opted-in and, because this is a federal tax credit, SGOs in those states are free to ask Virginians for donations.”
Thus, Braunlich warns,
“That $731 million generated from Virginians will still be raised … but (Virginia) opting out means it will be spent elsewhere. Saying no means Virginia loses.”
Braunlich closes asking, what will Governor Abigail Spanberger do?
Read Chris Braunlich’s timely and insightful commentary in the Virginian-Pilot by clicking here.
