NY GOP Urges Hochul to Opt In to Scholarship Tax-Break Despite Union Pushback

Republican lawmakers call on the governor to join federal program that provides tax credits for donations to scholarship organizations.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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New York's House Republicans are demanding that Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul opt the state into a federal tax credit scholarship program that would give taxpayers a break for donations to scholarship-granting organizations. The program aims to aid the state's neediest students by expanding educational options, but has faced pushback from the powerful teachers union.

Why it matters

This issue highlights the ongoing debate over school choice and the role of public vs. private education in New York. The tax credit program could provide more educational opportunities for low-income families, but faces resistance from teachers unions concerned about the impact on public schools.

The details

The federal program, set to take effect in 2027, would give tax breaks on donations for scholarships to students at private and public elementary and secondary schools within their states. Eligibility is limited to students from families with incomes below 300% of their area's median income. While 28 other states have already opted in, Hochul has not yet made a decision, citing a need for more federal guidance.

  • The federal tax credit scholarship program is set to take effect in January 2027.
  • In February 2026, New York's House Republicans sent a letter to Governor Hochul urging her to opt the state into the program.

The players

Kathy Hochul

The Democratic governor of New York who has so far refused to sign the state onto the federal tax credit scholarship program.

Claudia Tenney

A Republican U.S. Representative from New York who led the letter to Governor Hochul calling for the state to join the program.

Randi Weingarten

The president of the American Federation of Teachers, the powerful teachers union that has criticized the tax credit scholarship program as a "permanent school voucher scheme".

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What they’re saying

“By opting in to this program, Governor Hochul can ensure that New York families are not locked out of an opportunity to expand educational options.”

— Claudia Tenney, U.S. Representative (New York Post)

“We should be working to strengthen, not abandon, our public schools.”

— Randi Weingarten, President, American Federation of Teachers (New York Post)

What’s next

Governor Hochul is expected to make a decision on whether to opt New York into the federal tax credit scholarship program in the coming months, as the program is set to take effect in January 2027.

The takeaway

This debate over the tax credit scholarship program reflects the ongoing tensions in New York over the role of public education versus school choice initiatives. The governor's decision could have significant implications for educational opportunities and funding in the state.