Colorado public school groups are jumping in on Trump-backed tax-credit scholarship program

Public school supporters in Colorado are actively preparing to take advantage of a new Trump-backed tax credit scholarship program, despite concerns from some who view it as a voucher scheme. The program, set to begin on January 1, allows taxpayers to receive up to $1,700 in tax credits for donations to scholarship-granting organizations that then provide funds to families for educational expenses.

Colorado's supporters are taking swift action due to the uncertainty surrounding the program's future under a potential new governor.

Democratic Governor Jared Polis, who has supported the idea, is set to leave office, leaving the program's future in the hands of his successor. Phil Weiser, the Democratic gubernatorial nominee, has expressed opposition to the program, stating there is "no" room for it. However, Antonio Parés, a former teacher and consultant, is working with public school groups to ensure Colorado can benefit from the program.

Parés believes public schools have an advantage over private schools because there are more potential donors in the public education sector. Three Colorado organizations, including the Colorado Public Schools Foundation, the Denver Public Schools Foundation, and RESCHOOL, are creating new nonprofit organizations to serve as scholarship-granting organizations, hoping to expand access to the federal tax-credit money for all districts.

The philanthropic foundations involved in the program are looking at the federal tax credit dollars as a new revenue stream, which could potentially allow school districts to redirect their philanthropic dollars to other areas. As Colorado has until December to vet and submit information about the scholarship organizations to the federal government, advocates are working to demonstrate the benefits of the program for public schools and ensure its continuation beyond Governor Polis's tenure.