During National School Choice Week, numerous U.S. governors have quickly opted their states into a new federal tax credit scholarship program. Signed into law by President Donald Trump last Independence Day, the program allows taxpayers to donate up to $1,700 annually for K-12 scholarships. Nineteen states are already participating, with more expected soon.
The federal tax credit scholarship, part of the One Big Beautiful Bill, enables contributions to nonprofit organizations like ACE Scholarships, which award funds to K-12 students for expenses such as tuition, books, tutoring, transportation, and special needs services. Taxpayers receive a dollar-for-dollar credit up to $1,700, but scholarships are only available in opted-in states.
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen led the effort in late September, issuing an executive order to join. "This program is a game-changer for Nebraska students and their families, generating funds that will help send students to the school of their choice," Pillen said. He added enthusiastically, "I am not opting this in … I am cannonballing it into the state of Nebraska."
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee followed as a school choice advocate. By mid-November, South Dakota Governor Larry Rhoden announced plans, stating, "Our students are the future of our state, and we must equip them with the skills and resources they need to thrive. Parents should have the freedom to choose the learning environment that sets their kids up for success." Rhoden emphasized supporting innovation in education.
In December, Colorado Governor Jared Polis became the first Democrat to opt in, saying, "I would be crazy not to." His spokesman noted the credit offers an "immense opportunity for Coloradans to support students in our state, but only if we opt in." Texas Governor Greg Abbott, after advancing school choice through legislative sessions and voter changes, also declared participation. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry joined mid-month, calling it "yet another way we’re expanding opportunity and helping every child reach their full potential."
January saw a surge: Iowa's Kim Reynolds, Virginia's Glenn Youngkin, Missouri's Mike Kehoe, Arkansas's Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Alabama's Kay Ivey, Alaska's Mike Dunleavy, Idaho's Brad Little, South Carolina's Henry McMaster, Mississippi's Tate Reeves, Georgia's Brian Kemp, Montana's Greg Gianforte, Indiana's Mike Braun, and Nevada's Joe Lombardo.
Anticipated announcements include Florida's Ron DeSantis and Oklahoma's Kevin Stitt during National School Choice Week. Remaining Republican governors, such as New Hampshire's Kelly Ayotte and Ohio's Mike DeWine, are expected to follow. Twenty-two Democratic governors have yet to opt in, though participation costs states nothing as it relies on federal credits.
This trend aligns with 17 states enacting universal school choice in the past five years, including West Virginia, Arizona, and Texas, advancing education freedom nationwide.
