Kentucky Governor Vetoes Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Bill

Beshear cites support for public schools, rejects diverting funds to private education

Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:48pm

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Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has vetoed a Republican-backed bill that would have allowed the state to participate in a federal tax credit scholarship program, arguing that public dollars should only go to public schools. Beshear, a Democrat, has positioned himself as a staunch supporter of public education and campaigned against a 2024 ballot measure that would have allowed the legislature to fund private, religious and charter schools.

Why it matters

The veto is the latest clash between Beshear and the Republican-controlled legislature over education policy. It highlights the ongoing debate over school choice and the role of public funding for private and charter schools, which has become a major political issue in Kentucky and across the country.

The details

House Bill 1, sponsored by Republican state representatives, would have allowed Kentucky to enroll in the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit Scholarship program. This program provides tax credits to individuals and businesses that donate to private school scholarship funds. In his veto message, Beshear wrote that public dollars should only go to public schools, adding that Kentuckians 'love our public schools.' The bill passed with strong GOP support but Beshear's veto is expected to be overridden by the Republican-controlled legislature.

  • Beshear vetoed the bill on March 13, 2026.
  • The bill was on Beshear's desk since March 2, 2026.

The players

Andy Beshear

The Democratic governor of Kentucky who has positioned himself as a staunch supporter of public education and vetoed the Republican-backed tax credit scholarship bill.

Kim Moser

A Republican state representative who sponsored House Bill 1, the tax credit scholarship bill.

TJ Roberts

A Republican state representative who co-sponsored House Bill 1, the tax credit scholarship bill.

Michael Adams

The Republican Kentucky Secretary of State who would have been given the power to enroll the state in the federal tax credit program under the vetoed bill.

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What they’re saying

“I am, quite simply, standing up for my conviction that if we want to ensure every child gets a world-class education, the answer is not diverting students and dollars from public education, but providing sufficient resources to fix public education.”

— Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky (kentucky.com)

“The message was clear. Don't divert public dollars. Fund our public schools.”

— Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky (kentucky.com)

“I recognize my veto today will be politicized. Some will attack 'teachers' unions,' as if they are malevolent actors when, in reality, they are our neighbors and friends who have taken on critical jobs despite the low pay. They should be appreciated instead of attacked.”

— Andy Beshear, Governor of Kentucky (kentucky.com)

What’s next

The Republican-controlled legislature is expected to attempt to override Beshear's veto of the tax credit scholarship bill.

The takeaway

This veto highlights the ongoing political battle in Kentucky over the role of public funding for private and charter schools, with the Democratic governor defending public education against efforts by the Republican legislature to expand school choice options.