FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2026

CONTACT: media@edtrust.org

Federal Voucher Program is a Win for Wealthy Taxpayers at Students’ Expense
Statement from Denise Forte, president and CEO of EdTrust, on Treasury Regulations for Tax-Credit Scholarship

WASHINGTON — Today, the Trump administration opened another chapter of the Great American Heist in public education with the creation of regulations implementing a new federal tax credit that further erodes the federal obligation to educate all children. Instead of working to help students improve their reading and math skills or address the chronic absenteeism crisis that keeps millions of students from learning, this administration is using tax policy to abdicate its obligation to public education and to the students who deserve a well-resourced and accountable public education system. The public responsibility to fund education is being shirked, with elected leaders instead outsourcing pieces of public education in their states to unknown donors and scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs).

While the federal government once used its authority to ensure the schoolhouse door was open to all students, that authority has now passed to SGOs that are not required to guarantee access or quality for anyone.

The impact of similar state programs is well documented. SGOs must follow minimal financial regulations, and do not have to follow the rules that ensure quality and access to public schools. That means that states cannot hold SGOs accountable. States cannot ensure SGOs serve students with disabilities or send students to programs that provide high-quality learning environments and educate them effectively. Billions of taxpayer dollars can now be spent every year enriching private schools without even the most basic oversight.

The Trump administration continues to pursue its illegal attempt to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, allow states free reign to loosen funding and accountability rules, and is now throwing billions of dollars to unaccountable private schools. Governors and advocates for a strong public education system should reject this program and work to restore the promise of a quality public education that serves all students.

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About EdTrust 

EdTrust is committed to advancing policies and practices to dismantle the racial and economic barriers embedded in the American education system. Through our research and advocacy, EdTrust improves equity in education from preschool through college, engages diverse communities dedicated to education equity and justice, and increases political and public will to build an education system where students will thrive.