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White House Says 23 States Join Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, Unveils Map of Holdouts

State participation is required before taxpayers can claim up to $1,700 in credits starting in 2027.

Overview

  • The administration launched a website with a U.S. map showing participation and naming governors resisting the program, with some labeled as “failures,” including Tina Kotek, Josh Stein, Michelle Lujan Grisham, and Tony Evers.
  • The credit was created by the Working Families Tax Cuts Act signed on July 4, 2025, allowing taxpayers to donate to approved Scholarship Granting Organizations and receive a dollar-for-dollar federal credit up to $1,700.
  • States must opt in and submit lists of approved scholarship organizations to the Treasury Department before residents can access scholarships.
  • Colorado Gov. Jared Polis became the first Democrat to opt in, signaling cross-party uptake of the program even as many Democratic officials continue to resist.
  • Advocacy groups such as Agudath Israel praised the milestone and said they will lobby remaining governors, while critics warn of risks to public-school funding and oversight.