52M students could get Freedom scholarships including over 2.5M in NYS

Nearly 52 million students nationwide in public, private or charter schools could be eligible for federal “freedom” scholarships, including more than 2.7 million students in New York state, according to a new report released Tuesday.The students in each state who would qualify for the funding under the “Education Freedom Tax Credit.”Thirty-one states, covering 31 million students, have opted into the program, including New York — despite opposition from teachers unions, which claim the tax credit is a privatization or “voucher” scheme that will spur an exodus from public schools.Most Democratic states have yet to opt into the program, including California, where nearly 6 million students would benefit, said school choice group the American Federation for Children in its analysis.Nearly 21 million students are in states that have not signed up for the program that kicks in next year.The scholarships for private school students in Catholic schools and yeshivas can be used to defray tuition costs.Public school students can use the scholarships for tutoring, after-school programs or to cover transportation costs, advocates said.Under the law, governors from each state have to “opt-in” for students to obtain financial scholarships.It was the top priority of the New York State Catholic Conference and the Teach NY Coalition/Orthodox Union, which advocate for yeshivas or Jewish schools.For example, such donations could go to the Inner-City Scholarship Fund, which provides financial aid to students who enroll in Catholic schools run by the Archdiocese of New York.New York Gov.Kathy Hochul, a Democrat seeking re-election to a second term this fall, opted into the program.California Gov.

Gavin Newsom, considered a Democratic contender for president in 2028, has not opted in, as of yet, the report noted.Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more.

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