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Action Needed: Tell Your Governor to Strengthen State Protections Under the Federal Tax Credit Voucher Program
COPAA members,
Your Governor has opted into the new Federal Tax Credit Voucher Program. Your advocacy is essential to protecting students with disabilities, other marginalized students, and the public schools that serve them.
These states have opted into the program as of early 2026:
Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming
Sign the Letter Demanding Accountability and Strong Protections for Students With Disabilities and Other Marginalized Students
If your state has already accepted the Federal Tax Credit Voucher Program (see the full map at the White House site for confirmation), please sign and send the letter titled:
“Strengthening State Protections Under the Federal Tax Credit”
Urge your governor to:
- Prioritize students with disabilities, low‑income students, English learners, and other marginalized groups;
- Ensure families do not lose IDEA or Section 504 rights when using public money to attend private schools;
- Require strong accountability and transparency for Scholarship Granting Organizations and participating private schools; and
- Protect public schools from further funding erosion.
How to Check Your State’s Status
You can confirm whether your governor has opted in by reviewing the map here: whitehouse.gov/schoolchoice
Dear Governor,
I am writing to urge you to take a strong, principled stance regarding the new federal tax‑credit voucher program established under HR 1. This program raises significant concerns for our state—both in terms of fiscal responsibility and the protection of students’ civil rights. Our state has already opted into the federal tax‑credit voucher program created under the Working Families Tax Cut Act and the Big Beautiful Bill (HR 1). I urge you to strengthen state policies and laws to ensure the program does not undermine civil rights, equity, or public accountability.
Prioritize Marginalized Students
Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) must be required to prioritize students with disabilities, low‑income students, students of color, English learners, and others who already face barriers to educational access. Without clear prioritization, these students will be left behind.
Protect IDEA and Section 504 Rights
Students with disabilities must retain their right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), including all procedural safeguards, even when using tax‑credit funds at private schools. No family should be asked—implicitly or explicitly—to waive civil rights in exchange for a voucher.
Clarify Allowable Uses of Funds
There is still no clear guidance on whether tax‑credit funds may be used for public‑school services, supplemental supports, or private tuition, nor how these expenditures interact with existing state and federal funding. Clear rules are essential to prevent public dollars from flowing into unregulated private markets that do not serve all children.
Require Strong Accountability and Transparency
State law must include enforceable requirements for SGOs and participating private schools, including:
• Annual public reporting of expenditures and student outcomes by race, income, and disability status
• Financial audits and fraud‑prevention measures
• Nondiscrimination assurances
• Clear mechanisms for families to file complaints and seek remedies
These protections are essential to ensure that public funds are used responsibly and that all students—especially those historically marginalized—are treated fairly.
Thank you for your leadership and commitment to protecting students and public education.
We appreciate your support and will keep you updated.
Consider donating to COPAA in support of our policy and advocacy work.
Join COPAA!
If you are not a member of COPAA, please consider joining so that you can be part of our national network that promotes and protects the civil rights of children with disabilities and their families!