A new line in the sand on education policy has emerged after the passage of the Big Beautiful Bill offered states a $1,700 tax credit towards sending students to nonpublic schools.
While the policy has the potential to be a massive victory for school choice proponents, states still have to opt in for their residents to receive the tax credit.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin voiced his support for the scholarship program and said that he plans to ensure that Virginia opts in before he leaves the Governor’s office.
“First of all, this was a landmark moment where a tax incentivized choice program that works incredibly well in the commonwealth of Virginia, and we have a very successful one, translated into a national policy moment,” said Youngkin
Universal school choice policies have proven to be popular with voters, with a recent American Federation for Children poll finding that 73% of voters support school choice initiatives being available to all families.
Youngkin went on to say that he would “not leave office” before ensuring that Virginia is able to receive the federal funds, which would come at no cost to the state of Virginia. (RELATED: House Democrats Add $1 Million to Help House Candidates in Battleground Campaigns)
While the program may come at no cost to states, it is not free of controversy as numerous Democratic Governors such as Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers have opposed the legislation, citing potential harm to public schools.
Virginia Democratic Governor nominee Abigail Spanberger has not yet made her position on the program clear, though she stated that she opposes school choice vouchers on her website.
Spanberger’s lack of clarity on if she would opt in to the newly passed school choice program has left some concerned and confused about its fate in Virginia.
“The question for Ms. Spanberger is simple: Does she believe parents are capable of making the best decisions for their own children?” The Roanoke Star asked.
If so, she should publicly support the FSTC. If not, she should be honest and tell Virginia families that she doesn’t trust Virginians with the federal money that is being offered.”