Federal scholarship tax credit sparks debate over funding for Michigan’s public and private schools
Did you know search engines like Google are changing the way you see news? Keep Chalkbeat’s valuable education coverage at the top of your feeds by clicking here and checking the box next to our name. Over the years, Joshua Raymond has paid for a variety of “extras” for his three daughters in public schools, from tutoring to band instruments to SAT prep. If Michigan opts into the federal…
Michigan is deciding whether to participate in a new federal tax credit program designed to help pay for educational expenses. The federal scholarship tax credit reimburses taxpayers for donations made to scholarship-granting organizations, which then provide money for a variety of educational costs, such as private school tuition, after-school programs, and special-needs services.
Public schools could create their own organizations to help families cover out-of-pocket expenses. Joshua Raymond, a father of three, believes the state could offset some of his daughters' school-related costs if Michigan opts into the program. While 31 states have already opted in, Michigan has not yet made a decision. Michigan gubernatorial candidates Jocelyn Benson and John James have opposing views on the matter, with James pledging to opt in and Benson opposing it due to concerns about transparency and lack of clear guidance.
Supporters argue that the program could benefit public school families, but there are still many unknowns, such as which expenses scholarships can cover and whether private schools are better positioned to take advantage of the program.
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