(The Center Square) – “Don’t leave $732 million on the table.”
That’s the pleading of backers of a resolution urging Gov. Bob Ferguson to opt Washington into a new federal K-12 scholarship tax-credit program.
“The only thing standing between students and schools in Washington with all of those funds is Governor Ferguson’s signature,” said Washington Policy Centers Education Center Director Vicki Murray in a Jan 23 interview with The Center Square.
House Joint Memorial 4013, sponsored by Rep. Michael Keaton, R-Puyallup, and Rep. Jim Walsh, R-Aberdeen, prompts Ferguson to take advantage of the federal K-12 scholarship tax-credit program that “could bring an estimated $732 million a year to help working- and middle-class families pay for educational support,” according to a news release.
If the governor opts Washington in, families could use the scholarships for tutoring, special education services, curriculum materials, technology, extended learning time, and enrichment programs. The program would be available starting in 2027.
“It could go to a private school. It could go to a charter school. It can go to a public school. It can go to tutoring so that our third graders can finally learn how to read. And the individual gets to choose where it goes,” Keaton told TCS.
Under federal rules, scholarships are limited to students from working- and middle-class families with household incomes at or below 300% of area median income.
“I think the joint memorial can be an absolute game changer for education in Washington State for generations to come,” WPC’s Murray said. “First and foremost, we get to direct more of our federal tax dollars to Washington education. We can claim up to $1,700 off of our federal income taxes. That’s huge.”
Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal is opposed to the idea, suggesting it could pull money from public education. However the program specifically allows those taking advantage of the tax credit to direct the dollars how they choose, including to public schools.
During a Tuesday media availability, TCS asked Democratic leadership about the HJM and whether their caucus will support it.
“When we’re thinking about limited floor time, it’s not a bill that directs anything,” said Rep. Monica Stonier, D-Vancouver.
She said she had not yet had a conversation with Keaton about the effort, though they sit on the House Education Committee together, adding she wasn’t opposed to a conversation.
“There are opportunities for us to chat about it if he’s interested in talking to me or other members….but in this case, a measure like this doesn’t have a lot of impact policy wise or provide much direction,” Stonier said. “We call them letters to Santa Claus.”
Sen. Jamie Pedersen, D-Seattle, said their focus is on supporting public education despite supporters saying it can be used for public schools.
“I guess I respectfully disagree,” Pedersen said. “It’s a giant diversion of resources out of the public schools.”
Murray told TCS several states — even some with Democratic governors have opted into the education tax credit — but ultimately, it’s up to Ferguson to make that decision. He has to make it prior to the Jan 1, 2027, deadline.
Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal has asked the state legislature for a “down payment” of $110 million this year for public education.
“Imagine if we could get $732 million just in year one,” Murray said. “That would change everything.”
