Kansas Governor Vetoes Tax Credit Programs for Private Schools

Kelly says state should focus on fully funding public education first.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 2:21am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dimly lit, cinematic painting of an empty school hallway with rows of lockers, the floor and walls bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of contemplation and the weight of political decisions around education funding.The governor's veto of tax credits for private schools reflects the complex politics surrounding public education funding.Topeka Today

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has vetoed a bill that would have created tax credit programs to help fund private school tuition, stating that the state's priority should be to fully fund its public education system before considering tax credits for private schools.

Why it matters

This decision reflects an ongoing debate in Kansas and across the U.S. about the role of public funding for private education. Supporters of the tax credit programs argued they would expand school choice, while opponents contended they would divert resources away from underfunded public schools.

The details

The vetoed bill would have established two new tax credit programs - one for individual and corporate donations to private school scholarship funds, and another for businesses that provide internships or apprenticeships to private school students. Governor Kelly argued the state should focus on fully funding its obligations to public schools before considering tax incentives for private education.

  • On April 6, 2026, the Kansas Legislature passed a bill creating the new tax credit programs.
  • On April 7, 2026, Governor Laura Kelly vetoed the bill.

The players

Governor Laura Kelly

The Democratic governor of Kansas who vetoed the bill to create tax credit programs for private school tuition.

Kansas Legislature

The state's legislative body that passed the bill to establish the new tax credit programs before it was vetoed by the governor.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Our focus should be on fully funding our obligations to public education before we consider tax credits or other programs that could divert resources away from our students in public schools.”

— Governor Laura Kelly

What’s next

The Kansas Legislature may attempt to override Governor Kelly's veto, which would require a two-thirds majority vote in both the state House and Senate.

The takeaway

This veto highlights the ongoing debate in Kansas and nationwide over the role of public funding for private education, with proponents arguing for school choice and opponents concerned about diverting resources from public schools.