Washington Could Miss Out on $700 Million in Education Funding, Critics Warn

Washington Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal is urging Gov. Bob Ferguson to reject participation in a new federal education tax credit scholarship program, prompting criticism from Washington Policy Center over the potential financial impact on Washington students and families. Supporters of the program estimate Washington could benefit from more than $700 million annually in scholarship contributions, but Reykdal's office argues participation would create additional administrative costs and compliance responsibilities for the state. In a letter to Gov. Ferguson, Reykdal raised concerns about the federal requirements for states to review and certify scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs). The Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) says the state would need to devote employee time, legal review and administrative resources to overseeing participating organizations without dedicated federal funding for those responsibilities. Katy Payne, a spokesperson for OSPI, told The Center Square that scholarship-granting organizations would need to be reviewed and certified annually under federal requirements. However, Washington Policy Center education director Vicki Murray disputes Reykdal's objections. Murray argues that the administrative workload would be relatively small compared with the potential scholarship benefits for Washington students, including those attending public and private schools or receiving tutoring and special education services. The debate also comes as New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has reportedly supported participation in the program, raising questions about why Washington officials are taking a different approach. Supporters say the federal education tax credit program would allow eligible donors to direct contributions to participating scholarship-granting organizations, helping families access educational resources. Critics of participation raise concerns about administrative expenses, state oversight responsibilities and potential consequences for public education. Gov. Bob Ferguson has not yet announced a final decision, according to the report. Topics covered: Chris Reykdal's opposition to the federal education tax credit program Gov. Bob Ferguson's decision on Washington participation Washington OSPI and scholarship-granting organizations Washington Policy Center education director Vicki Murray Estimated $700 million in potential education scholarship benefits Federal education tax credits and school choice Public school funding and private education scholarships Administrative costs and state oversight requirements New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's reported support for the program Washington taxpayer dollars and education policy Watch Washington In Focus Daily for independent reporting on Washington state government, education funding, taxpayer accountability and policies affecting Washington families. Get Washington news sent directly to your phone. Text TCSWA to 206-944-3016 to receive concise Washington news updates from The Center Square approximately twice a week. #ChrisReykdal #BobFerguson #WashingtonSchools #EducationFunding #SchoolChoice #EducationTaxCredit #WashingtonPolitics #VickiMurray #TaxpayerAccountability #WashingtonInFocus