Washington families may miss out on a massive source of education funding because State Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal is refusing to endorse the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program. The program, already approved by 16 governors, lets taxpayers claim a dollar‑for‑dollar credit of up to $1,700 when they donate to a qualified scholarship‑granting organization (SGO). Those donations can be used for tuition, technology, tutoring, after‑school programs, special‑needs therapies, and transportation for K‑12 students.
Why the credit matters for Washington
According to the program’s designers, if just 15 % of Washington taxpayers participate, the state could receive roughly $757 million in private donations; at a 30 % participation rate, the figure jumps to $1.5 billion. Those funds would flow directly to schools and families, without draining the state or local budgets.
Reykdal’s objections
In an open letter published in the Seattle Times, Reykdal argues Washington “cannot in good faith participate” because the state would lack control over donor‑directed money. He also claims the program would impose costs on taxpayers for registration and annual recertification of nonprofits.
Reykdal’s stance comes as the state already spends about $20,300 to $21,900 per student, and he is simultaneously requesting an additional $2 billion in state funding. Critics note the inconsistency of rejecting a federal credit that would bring billions while asking for more state dollars.
Other states say yes
Governor Jared Polis of Colorado and Governor Kathy Hochul of New York have both publicly supported the credit, emphasizing that it helps public‑school students without costing state or local taxpayers a single cent. Their statements highlight a growing bipartisan acceptance of the program as a way to expand educational choice.
Union influence and political pressure
The Washington Education Association (WEA) has poured over $880,000 in outside expenditures into Reykdal’s last two elections, according to the Public Disclosure Commission. The union’s strong opposition to the credit raises questions about whether Reykdal’s position reflects the interests of teachers’ unions rather than the needs of students.
Reykdal’s four‑page letter, which some observers describe as sounding like a union‑drafted talking point, fails to address the concrete benefits the credit would bring to Washington’s 2.5 million school‑age children, many of whom are performing below grade level in English language arts and math.
What’s at stake
If Washington opts out, donors from across the nation could direct their contributions to other states that have embraced the program, leaving Washington families without the additional resources they desperately need. The credit is designed to be administered with minimal state involvement, meaning the administrative costs would be a fraction of the potential windfall.
Call to action
Governor Jay Inslee and Governor-elect (or acting) Governor (replace with actual name if known) are urged to follow the example set by their peers in Colorado and New York and opt Washington into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit. By doing so, they would put students first, honor parental choice, and safeguard federal dollars for Washington’s children.
Washington’s students deserve the same access to supplemental education support that families in other states are already receiving. The choice to participate is clear: say yes to the credit, say yes to better outcomes for our children.
Original reporting: Clark County Today (Vancouver WA) — read the source article.
