Union leaders warn Hochul that joining Trump’s school tax credit would hurt public schools

Teachers union leaders called on Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday to abandon her plan to enroll New York in the Trump administration’s “school choice” tax credit program, arguing it would drain students and dollars from public schools.

How the federal school choice tax credit works

The credit came out of the sweeping legislative package Congress approved last year, now widely called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. A taxpayer who donates to a nonprofit that awards scholarships can receive federal tax credits worth as much as $1,700. Eligible groups may range from private schools to after-school programs to organizations backing public schools, according to Trump administration officials.

Eligibility is capped by income. The federal law covers families making as much as 300% of the median income where they live, which puts the ceiling for New York City households at roughly $500,000. Washington plans to share further details on the program later this month.

Why teachers unions oppose New York joining

At a Wednesday press conference, Randi Weingarten, who heads the American Federation of Teachers, argued the program would shortchange the neediest students. “It is meant to actually take money out of public schools,” she said. In her view, private schools can select wealthy, high-performing students, while children with disabilities, those learning English and those from high-poverty backgrounds get left behind.

The governor’s office pushed back. Hochul spokesperson Jonah Allon said in a Wednesday statement that the credits could widen academic options for students at public and private schools alike, without taking resources from public schools or from state and local budgets. He urged all stakeholders to cooperate so the program benefits every New York school.

Hochul, a Democrat seeking re-election this year, first signaled interest in the program last spring. That interest surfaced during a meeting with the leadership of Agudath Israel of America, whose members back religious education in the Jewish community. She said then that she believed it would help New York parents but was still waiting on more information.

The local union is not breaking with the governor over the issue. Michael Mulgrew, whose United Federation of Teachers represents educators in New York City, wants Hochul to rethink her position, yet he said his members will stand by her. “We’re just hoping that she continues to have an open mind and hears us,” Mulgrew said.