Washington state Reps. Michael Keaton and Jim Walsh are urging Gov. Bob Ferguson to opt Washington into a new federal K-12 scholarship tax-credit program that could bring an estimated $732 million a year to help working- and middle-class families pay for educational support, according to a recent news release from House Republicans.
If the governor opts Washington in, families could use the scholarships for tutoring, special education services, curriculum materials, technology, extended learning time and enrichment programs, according to the Republican lawmakers.
The program would be available starting in 2027.
“This is an easy decision,” Keaton, R-South Hill, said. “Washington families would be able to direct these federal tax credits whether our state opts in or not. The only question is where that money goes — to help Washington kids, or to help kids in other states.”
The legislative memorial asks Ferguson to formally opt Washington into the program and direct the appropriate state agency to identify and list qualified scholarship-granting organizations operating in Washington, the release stated
Under federal rules, scholarships are limited to students from working- and middle-class families with household incomes at or below 300% of area median income.
“Washington’s K-12 school kids are struggling. Scores are down. Enrollment is down. Costs for taxpayers are up. And school kids are paying the price,” Walsh, R-Aberdeen, said. “There’s a solution. The current federal tax-credit program is great for families and — more importantly — it’s great for kids’ education.”
Walsh said the program gives Washington a chance to help students without creating new state spending.
“Local versions have worked in other states. Now the federal government is making this money available to any state whose governor will opt in,” Walsh said. “All the Governor needs to do is say yes. Bob Ferguson needs to say yes to Washington’s kids.”
Keaton said the program includes safeguards to ensure dollars go where they’re supposed to.
“This isn’t a blank check,” Keaton said. “Scholarship organizations have to meet strict federal standards - including audits, public reporting, income verification and a requirement that at least 90% of funds go directly to student scholarships. That’s the kind of accountability families expect.”
Walsh warned Washington students could miss out if the state doesn’t opt in.
“Other left-wing governors have said yes. Colorado’s current left-wing governor has,” Walsh said. “Ferguson should follow his lead.”
The memorial calls for Washington’s election and list of scholarship-granting organizations to be submitted to the IRS by Jan. 1, 2027, or as early as possible.
