NY GOP urges Hochul to opt in to scholarship tax-break despite teachers union pushback

New York’s House Republicans are demanding that Gov.Kathy Hochul opt New York in for a federal tax credit scholarship program that’s drawn the ire of the powerful teachers union.The Democratic governor has so far refused to sign onto the program — which would give taxpayers a tax break as high as $1,700 for donations to scholarship-granting organizations with the goal of aiding the state’s neediest students.“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,” Rep.

Claudia Tenney said in a Feb.5 letter to Hochul that was co-signed by Reps.

Nicole Malliotakis, Nick LaLota, Mike Lawler, Nick Langworthy and Elise Stefanik.The federal program, pushed by the GOP, takes effect next January, would give breaks on donations for scholarships to students at private and public elementary and secondary schools located within their states.Eligibility for scholarships are limited to students whose family income is below 300% of their area’s median income.In New York, such donations run into the hundreds of millions of dollars but taxpayers won’t reap the benefits unless the governor opts in.Tenney told Hochul in the letter that the law created a common incentive for private donations to support scholarships “without taking a single dollar away from public schools.”The letter pointed out to Hochul that 28 other governors have already opted their states into the program, including Colorado Democratic Gov.

Jared Polis, who said, “I would be crazy not to [opt-in].”“We believe in the right of every student and parent to make choices about what is best for their education,” the letter stated.“A family’s ZIP code or income level should never limit their children’s educational opportunities.“We hope you will stand with parents and students by opting in to this program expeditiously, and we look forward to hearing your decision.”Hochul is seeking re-elec...