Why Rhode Island Should Reject the Trump Tax Credit Voucher Program

Rhode Island’s public schools are a cornerstone of our democracy, serving all students with transparency and public accountability. Opting into the federal tax credit voucher program would divert scarce public funds to private schools with fewer standards and protections—a model historically used to evade desegregation and one that continues to undermine the inclusive mission of public education.

VOUCHERS BY ANOTHER NAME

This voucher scheme includes tax credits for Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) which directs funds to private school scholarships, education savings accounts (ESAs), and tax-subsidized homeschooling. Regardless of the mechanism, the effect is the same: public funds are redirected away from public schools and into private systems beyond public oversight.

WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS

NEARI unequivocally opposes the Trump Administration’s nationwide voucher scheme disguised as scholarship granting organizations and its broader efforts to dismantle public education and undermine democratic, locally governed school systems.

• No proven academic benefit. There is no credible evidence that vouchers improve student achievement or strengthen public schools through competition. Increased investment in public education does improve outcomes.
• Little to no accountability. Entities receiving taxpayer-supported funds face minimal requirements related to curriculum, assessment, financial transparency, or public reporting opening the door to mass fraud, waste, and abuse.
• Loss of student protections. Students with disabilities who attend private schools lose key rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), including enforceable Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Higher costs and constitutional concerns. Voucher programs rarely cover full tuition, shifting costs to families, while subsidizing private—often religious—schools raises concerns about church–state separation and the cost of maintaining two education systems.

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR RHODE ISLAND

Public schools educate roughly 9 out of ten students. Every dollar diverted through voucher-style tax credits is a dollar unavailable for classroom instruction, special education, student supports, and educator staffing. These programs weaken public education while benefiting a limited and select population.

For these reasons, Rhode Island students and families deserve representation in decisions that impact their public schools. Any program that diverts public funds away from public education must include strong safeguards, transparency, and legislative oversight.

WHY IS NEARI SUPPORTING LEGISLATION FOR THIS PROGRAM?

First, we remain opposed to voucher programs by any name - because regardless of the mechanism, the effect is the same: public funds redirected away from public schools and into private systems beyond public oversight.

By default the decision to opt-in to this program rests solely with the governor - whoever holds the office at the time. We believe Rhode Island should not enter into such a program without deliberate, transparent consideration by its elected leaders, both the General Assembly and the Governor.

HB7163 and SB2139 establish a clear and necessary safeguard. By requiring affirmative approval from both the legislature and the Governor, these bills ensure that any decision to participate in this federal program is made thoughtfully, with full awareness of the potential consequences for our state’s students, schools, and taxpayers. It reinforces the principle that major policy shifts, particularly those involving public education funding, must not occur by default or through administrative action alone. Participation in the federal voucher program would have an impact on every school district and municipality and therefore legislators should be involved in the decision making.

CALL TO ACTION

To protect public education and ensure democratic accountability, legislators and stakeholders should SUPPORT H.B. 7163 and S.B. 2139, which require annual General Assembly approval and establish safeguards before any participation in the federal tax credit voucher program. These measures ensure that Rhode Island’s education policy remains accountable to the public and aligned with the state’s commitment to equity and opportunity for all students.