As New York teachers unions prepare to protest Governor Kathy Hochul’s plan to participate in a federal tax-credit scholarship program, Sydney Altfield, CEO of Teach Coalition, addressed what they consider to be “misconceptions” surrounding the policy. Altfield emphasized the importance of understanding the facts, stating, “People who genuinely want to help children succeed will understand that this isn’t the truth about the program.”
Tax-credit scholarships provide a school choice option by enabling donors to nonprofit scholarship organizations to receive tax credits. Unlike traditional voucher programs that use state or municipal educational funds, tax credits allow taxpayers to direct some of their tax liabilities to nonprofit organizations funding student scholarships.
New York Joins Federal Initiative
New York is set to become the 30th state to opt into the federal tax-credit scholarship program. The state’s participation allows families and educational programs access to federally incentivized scholarship dollars. Emma Wallner, a spokesperson for Hochul’s office, confirmed this decision in May, citing the program’s potential benefits for New York students and schools. Wallner added that thorough reviews are planned to assess the policy’s impact.
The school choice debate is complicated for many Democrats, as it potentially redirects resources from public education. However, some high-profile Democrats, like Colorado Governor Jared Polis, have shifted their viewpoints. Polis decided to join the federal program in January 2026, emphasizing the empowerment it offers parents.
Opposition from Teachers Unions
Major labor groups, including the United Federation of Teachers (UFT), New York State Union of Teachers (NYSUT), and American Federation of Teachers (AFT), plan to protest the implementation of the program. These organizations have circulated a public petition requesting state leadership to reject Governor Hochul’s decision. They argue that the program diverts funds to private tuition, which could weaken public schools.
The petition highlights fiscal issues faced by other states expanding school choice models, such as Florida’s $270 million loss and Arizona’s $1.4 billion budget shortfall.
Altfield countered claims that the program operates like a voucher program, explaining that tax credits do not deplete state public school resources. “This money does not come out of state budgets,” Altfield said, noting that public school students can also access these scholarships.
Debate Over Funding and Oversight
Union critics have underscored concerns about insufficient federal oversight for private institutions and possible equity gaps in the education system. The union points out that funds go to Scholarship Granting Organizations instead of directly to families, and these organizations lack public accountability.
Altfield denied that public school budgets would be affected. “Public school resources remain intact,” she insisted. “They don’t usually mention that public school students can also benefit from these scholarships.”
The New York State Union of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers, and United Federation of Teachers did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
For more information, you can contact the reporter, Joshua Q. Nelson, who covers education and public policy trends.
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