Senator Mazie Hirono Leads Democratic Push to Repeal Federal School Voucher Tax Credit
U.S. Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, has spearheaded a Democratic panel advocating for the repeal of a national school voucher tax credit program. This program, slated to commence in 2027, offers federal tax credits of up to $1,700 for donations made to organizations that provide K-12 private school scholarships. At least 30 states have already opted into this initiative, which was a key component of President Trump's and congressional Republicans' school choice agenda, signed into law in 2025. Senator Hirono criticized the program as a 'tax break for wealthy families whose children are already enrolled in private schools, disguised as support for education.' While the Education Department defends the credit as supplemental funding that does not divert money from public schools, Democrats and education experts argue it will draw critical resources away from public institutions. The U.S. Treasury Department is expected to release proposed regulations for the program by the end of the current month.
