On November 9, Liu Chunyi, who serves as the Chair of the New York City Education Committee and is a member of the State Senate, announced that he is drafting a bill aimed at preventing New York State from participating in the federal scholarship tax credit program. This move not only contrasts with Governor Hochul’s intentions but also sets the stage for a new conflict regarding the division of educational decision-making authority between the state and local governments.
According to a report by POLITICO, Liu Chunyi plans to push for legislation that would grant the State Department of Education Regents the sole authority to decide whether New York would join this initiative. The federal program employs a tax credit structure that incentivizes individuals to donate to organizations that provide scholarships, which can be used to cover expenses for private and religious schools. Governor Hochul had already decided in October for New York to participate in the program.
Liu expressed concerns that the program’s “clear intent” is to subsidize private schools, despite the fact that under the new federal regulations, public schools could theoretically also receive a portion of the donations. Unlike traditional state voucher programs, these scholarships could be utilized for tutoring, after-school activities, yellow school buses, special education, and other related expenses. Liu further stated, “This policy proposed by the outgoing administration is highly likely to be overturned in the near future.”
In response, a spokesperson for the governor, Jonah Allon, countered by stating, “Governor Hochul has been very clear: When these funds can help our children, including those from public schools, she will not leave money on the table.”
Allon emphasized that the state government firmly believes that this program could deliver millions of additional dollars to New York students and families, and that it “will not take a dollar away from public schools or any state or local budget.” He reiterated that Hochul, who was re-elected by a significant margin, has always prioritized helping students thrive, and this initiative aligns with that mission.
Governor Hochul had previously set a timeline for New York to join the program in 2027; however, Liu Chunyi indicated that his proposed bill would apply to the years 2028 and beyond.
Taxpayers can enjoy a tax credit of up to $1,700 when donating to approved nonprofit organizations, but the state government must opt-in for local students to receive scholarships.
The State Education Department’s head, Betty Rosa, expressed skepticism about the federal program last winter. She candidly remarked during a budget hearing in January that if the cost of the plan is a weakened public education system, “the SED cannot support it.”
This disagreement is not the first between Hochul and Rosa regarding educational matters. Previously, Hochul advocated for a statewide ban on cell phones in schools despite Rosa’s expressed concerns. Recently, Hochul also publicly criticized plans to eliminate the Regents exams as a graduation requirement, emphasizing, “The responsibility should fall on me.”
If Liu Chunyi’s bill successfully passes, the Regents would have the authority to reassess each year whether to participate in the federal tax credit program.
Members of the Chinese educational advocacy group “Place NYC” expressed strong confusion and opposition to Liu Chunyi’s legislative action on social media. President Zhu Yating stated, “Why should we give the Regents more power?! We will form a coalition to fight against this bill. Is Liu Chunyi confident he has enough votes, or is he working for the United Federation of Teachers (UFT)?” City Council member Huang Youxing also commented, “We must oppose this bill.”
The ongoing discourse surrounding this legislation signifies a deep divide in perspectives on educational funding and the governance of educational systems within New York State, highlighting the complexities of local vs. state authority and the varying interests of students, families, and educational institutions.