New York teachers unions are organizing a protest against Gov. Kathy Hochul's plan to opt the state into a federal tax-credit scholarship program. The CEO of Teach Coalition, Sydney Altfield, stated that opponents are spreading "misconceptions" and "lies" about the program.
Tax-credit scholarships allow individuals or corporations to receive tax credits for donating to non-profit scholarship organizations. These funds can then be used for student scholarships. Unlike traditional voucher programs, tax credits do not directly draw from state or municipal education funds. The federal iteration allows governors to opt their states into the framework, making funds available for educational purposes like after-school programs, tutoring, or summer enrichment.
New York is set to become the 30th state to participate, with Governor Hochul expressing support for the program's potential to assist New York students and schools. Her office is awaiting further information from the federal government to review the policy's details.
School choice initiatives have historically been a contentious issue for many Democrats, who argue they divert resources from public education. However, some Democratic governors have recently embraced such programs. Colorado Gov. Jared Polis became the first Democratic governor to opt his state into the federal program, stating it would empower parents.
Despite these developments, major labor groups, including the United Federation of Teachers (UFT), the New York State Union of Teachers (NYSUT), and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), are planning a demonstration. They have launched a petition urging state leadership to reject Hochul's decision, citing concerns that the program could weaken public schools and divert funds.
The petition also points to fiscal challenges in other states that have expanded school choice models, although Altfield disputes the characterization of the program as a traditional voucher. She emphasizes that the tax credits do not come from state budgets or public school resources, and that these funds remain untouched. Altfield also stated that both private and public school students can benefit from these scholarships.
Union organizers argue that the distinctions between different school choice programs are merely rhetorical, and that public money ultimately flows to private schools. They also claim that Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) that distribute the funds are not required to be transparent and that private schools can select students based on various criteria. The UFT, NYSUT, and AFT did not immediately respond to requests for comment.