WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, America First Works (AFW) issued the following response to Governor Andy Beshear’s veto of Kentucky’s House Bill 1—legislation that would codify the first federal investment in education freedom in the state.
“Governor Andy Beshear has once again shown his disgust for education opportunities—opportunities that put students and families first. His decision to veto legislation that would opt Kentucky into a program funded by private donors directly opposes the will of the families. He believes kids should be forced to attend failing schools and spouts a false narrative that public dollars are somehow being diverted from public schools.
America First Works strongly encourages the legislature to override a reckless policy decision that directly undermines parental choice—and ultimately student success—in Kentucky.”
– Ashley Hayek, President of AFW
The Federal Education Freedom Tax Credit allows individuals to claim up to $1,700 in dollar-for-dollar tax credits for donations to scholarship-granting organizations, which in turn award scholarships to K-12 children. Simply put, a state that chooses not to opt in will see private donations flow across state lines. AFW will continue to support all opportunities for students to succeed and fight against those who seek to maintain the status quo.