Senators Introduce Bill to Repeal Federal Voucher Program

This week, Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI), along with 28 colleagues, introduced the Keep Public Funds in Public Schools Act to repeal the federal private school voucher provision established through HR 1. The proposed legislation would eliminate Section 25F of the Internal Revenue Code, ending the federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for contributions to scholarship-granting organizations that provide vouchers for K–12 tuition and other allowable uses. The current voucher provision, which has not yet gone into effect, allows individuals to receive a dollar-for-dollar, nonrefundable tax credit for contributions. 

CEC and other special and general education groups opposed the voucher law when it was being considered, urging Congress to focus its investments on programs that serve all students. CEC is a longtime opponent of using public funds for private school vouchers because families lose their rights and protections under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and has endorsed the Keeping Public Funds in Public Schools Act.

Read Senator Kelly’s announcement here and CEC’s position statement on public funds for public education here.