New York bishops applaud governor’s decision to join federal school scholarship program

New York’s Catholic bishops are applauding Democratic Gov. Kathy Hochul’s decision to participate in a new federal scholarship tax credit program that could provide thousands of families with financial assistance for their children’s education, including Catholic school tuition.

In an Oct. 9 statement, the bishops expressed gratitude to Hochul for opting into the program, which allows taxpayers to receive federal tax credits for contributions to organizations that provide scholarships and other educational assistance to students.

“By opting in to the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, Governor Kathy Hochul is helping to empower New York families to provide the best education for their children, regardless of income or where they choose to send their children to school, at no additional cost to the state,” the bishops wrote.

“We are sincerely grateful and we applaud her decision to put New York’s kids first.”

Under the program, individual taxpayers can receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for donations to qualified scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs), which distribute funds to help families cover educational expenses. As Zeale News previously reported, the program would provide up to $3,400 in credits for joint filers.

Scholarships can help cover tuition, tutoring, after-school enrichment, special needs services, transportation, uniforms, books, supplies, and equipment for students attending public, religious, independent, and charter schools.

Bishops praise governor’s decision

Because the federal law requires states to opt into the program, New York’s participation was not guaranteed.

The bishops emphasized that the initiative does not draw funding away from public schools or require additional state spending, while potentially providing significant assistance to families struggling with rising costs.

“With many New Yorkers struggling to afford basic necessities, these scholarships are a critical lifeline,” the bishops wrote.

They also credited Hochul with making a decision that they said required “political courage and will,” allowing federal tax benefits to support educational opportunities within New York rather than directing donations to scholarship organizations in other states.

New opportunities for Catholic school families

The bishops said they expect the federal tax credit to encourage increased charitable giving to both new and existing scholarship organizations, including those supporting Catholic school students and those providing educational assistance to public school families.

“A rising tide lifts all boats,” they wrote, expressing hope that the program would expand access to educational opportunities across the state.

The statement was signed by Archbishop Ronald Hicks of New York and the bishops of Albany, Brooklyn, Buffalo, Ogdensburg, Rochester, Rockville Centre, and Syracuse, along with the state’s auxiliary and emeritus bishops.

The New York State Catholic Conference also thanked Catholics who contacted Hochul to advocate for the program, describing their efforts as an example of putting faith into action.

The bishops encouraged New Yorkers to learn more about the scholarship initiative as the state prepares to participate in the new federal program.