Washington schools chief Chris Reykdal has urged Gov. Bob Ferguson to reject a federal tax credit program that could bring billions of dollars in scholarships to the state.
In an Oct. 9 letter, the superintendent of public instruction argued that the Education Freedom Tax Credit would leave Washington without control over which scholarship-granting nonprofits receive donations. He warned that some could exclude students based on religion, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity, or fund private organizations with such practices.
The program would give individuals federal tax credits of up to $1,700 for donations to nonprofits offering scholarships for tuition, tutoring, after-school programs and supplies. Married couples could receive up to $3,400. Reykdal recommended waiting a year before enrolling Washington, while critics of his position say schools need the potential funding amid rising costs and funding cuts.
Ferguson has until Jan. 1, when the program starts, to decide whether Washington will participate. More than half of states have already signed on.
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