Kansas Governor Vetoes Private School Tax Credit Program

Kelly prioritizes public school funding over expanding private school tax breaks

Apr. 7, 2026 at 8:21am

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A serene, painterly scene of an empty school hallway with sunlight streaming through the windows, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation around the debate over public versus private school funding.The veto of a private school tax credit program in Kansas highlights the ongoing tension between funding public education and expanding school choice options.Kansas City Today

Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has vetoed a bill that would have expanded tax credits for private school donors, known as the Education Freedom Tax Credit. Kelly cited the need to prioritize funding for public schools, especially increasing special education funding, over expanding private school tax programs.

Why it matters

This veto highlights the ongoing debate in Kansas over the balance between public and private school funding. Supporters of the tax credit program argue it gives families more educational choices, while critics say it diverts resources away from the public school system that serves the majority of students.

The details

House Bill 2468 would have expanded Kansas' existing tax credit scholarship program for private schools, allowing more donors to receive tax breaks for contributing to private school scholarships. Governor Kelly vetoed the bill, stating the need to focus on "meaningful increases in Special Education funding" rather than expanding private school tax credits. Kansas has struggled to meet the 92% reimbursement rate for special education costs since 2011.

  • On Monday, April 7, 2026, Governor Kelly vetoed eight bills, including House Bill 2468.

The players

Laura Kelly

The current Governor of Kansas, who vetoed the private school tax credit bill in order to prioritize funding for public schools, especially special education.

House Bill 2468

Also known as the Education Freedom Tax Credit, this bill would have expanded Kansas' tax credit scholarship program for private schools and increased tax breaks for donors.

Johnson County school leaders

School officials in Johnson County, Kansas who are concerned about the lack of adequate special education funding in the state.

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What they’re saying

“After years of neglect and budget disasters before I took office, we've worked hard to make sure Kansas' public schools are fully funded and back on track. We must prioritize meaningful increases in Special Education funding over expanding the private school tax program. I will continue to fight for the full funding of our public schools.”

— Laura Kelly, Governor of Kansas

What’s next

The Kansas legislature may attempt to override Governor Kelly's veto of House Bill 2468, but they would need a two-thirds majority vote in both the House and Senate to do so.

The takeaway

This veto reflects the ongoing debate in Kansas over the balance between funding public schools and providing tax incentives for private school choice. Governor Kelly's decision prioritizes increased special education funding for the public school system over expanding private school tax credits.