We’ve been skeptical it would ever happen, but New York Governor Kathy Hochul has stood up to the teachers’ unions and brought her state into the new federal tax credit scholarship program created by the Big Beautiful Bill.

Starting in tax year 2027 every U.S. taxpayer can donate up to $1700 single/$3400 married to a Scholarship Granting Organization and get the money back dollar-for-dollar on their federal taxes.  But, due to a bizarre ruling by the US Senate parliamentarian, the scholarships can only be given to kids in states where the governor has exercised an annual opt-in.

New York is the 31st state to opt in for 2027:

Hochul’s statement puts the 19 remaining hold-out states to shame:

I’ve been clear from the start that New York would participate in the federal scholarship tax credit program if, and only if, all schools and students, including those in our public schools, could benefit. After a careful review of the federal regulations, we believe this program has the potential to bring millions of additional dollars to New York students and families without taking a single dollar from public schools or our state or local budgets.