Obama Education Secretary Urges Gov. Ferguson to Accept Trump's Education Tax Credit

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson is still deciding whether to join President Donald Trump's federal Education Freedom Tax Credit program, which supporters estimate could bring more than $700 million annually to Washington students. The U.S. Treasury Department released new regulations on October 1, but Washington has yet to opt into the program. Former Obama Education Secretary Arne Duncan is urging Ferguson to participate, arguing that additional scholarship funding could help Washington students through tutoring, after-school programs, summer learning and other educational services. The program allows qualifying taxpayers to claim a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for donations to approved scholarship-granting organizations, with married couples filing jointly potentially eligible for a combined $3,400 credit. Supporters estimate the program could generate $700 million to more than $1 billion annually for Washington education. However, some public education advocates oppose the program over concerns about scholarship funding supporting private schools. Ferguson's office told The Center Square that its review of the new Treasury guidance is underway and that the governor will announce a decision when that process is complete. Could Washington miss out on a major education funding opportunity? Follow The Center Square for Washington state news, education policy, taxpayer issues and government accountability reporting. Want the next important update by text? Get the Washington state government and policy developments worth your attention sent straight to your phone. Text TCSWA to 206-944-3016 or sign up here: https://joinsubtext.com/c/thecentersquarewa Msg & data rates may apply. #BobFerguson #EducationTaxCredit #ArneDuncan #DonaldTrump #WashingtonEducation #SchoolChoice #EducationFunding #WashingtonSchools #FederalTaxCredit #WashingtonState #WashingtonPolitics #TheCenterSquare #WashingtonInFocus Copy hashtags