McMahon unveils federal tax credit for school choice donations in Tampa

Federal Tax Credit Program Aims to Expand School Choice Options

Education Secretary Linda McMahon recently visited a Tampa charter school, where she highlighted a new federal tax credit that was enacted following the signing of the One Big Beautiful Bill by President Donald Trump. The initiative is designed to encourage more donations for scholarships, offering families an alternative to traditional neighborhood public schools.

During her visit to Brooks-Debartolo Collegiate High School, McMahon emphasized the importance of giving parents more control over their children's educational opportunities. "Every student deserves a shot at success and no child should be shackled to a failing school," she stated. She explained that the program aims to support families who choose private schools or other education options tailored to their children’s specific needs.

The federal government will soon offer a dollar-for-dollar tax credit up to $1,700 for each individual taxpayer. This credit must be directed toward a federally recognized non-profit organization that provides scholarships to students. Unlike publicly funded voucher programs, this initiative relies on private donations rather than federal funds.

Sen. Ashley Moody, who joined McMahon during the event, clarified that the program is distinct from existing voucher systems. “This is not federal dollars. It’s private donations that go to these tax credit scholarships. It’s encouraging people to give,” she said. These scholarships could benefit students across various income levels and can cover tuition, transportation, books, tutoring, and special needs services.

However, the expansion of voucher and scholarship programs has raised concerns among public school advocates. They worry that increased participation in these programs could lead to declining enrollment in public schools, resulting in reduced funding. Moody acknowledged these concerns but stressed that she supports public schools and believes state lawmakers would agree. “We must still support public schools. They are a big part of communities which we live. They’re the fabric of many communities and we will keep supporting them,” she said.

The tax credit program is set to take effect in 2027. In response to the announcement, Andrew Spar, President of the Florida Education Association, expressed concerns about the impact of growing voucher programs. He pointed out that Florida's unaccountable voucher system diverts nearly $4 billion away from public education. "Educators and communities are forced to do more with less funding and less resources, and the ones who pay the price are our students," he said.

Spar also highlighted several issues arising from the current system, including the discovery of nearly 22,000 students enrolled in both public schools and voucher programs. He criticized the lack of accountability in the system, noting that charter schools often operate without input from educators and may leave behind students who need the most support.

At the Florida Education Association, the focus remains on ensuring all children have access to a world-class, free public education. "To get there, we need to ensure that traditional public schools and public school educators have the support they need," Spar said. The organization continues to advocate for policies that strengthen public education and address the challenges faced by students and educators alike.