Senator Bill Weber, who represents Rockland County’s 38th Senate District, joined Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt and members of the Senate Republican Conference in urging Governor Kathy Hochul to take immediate action to allow New York to participate in a new federal school choice scholarship program established under the Trump administration.

In a letter to the governor, the lawmakers called on Hochul to sign the required advance election form, saying the move is essential for scholarship organizations and schools to prepare for the program and maximize available federal funding.

The federal initiative would create scholarships and educational stipends through a dollar-for-dollar tax credit of up to $1,700 for taxpayers who donate to approved scholarship organizations. Those funds could then be used to help families pay for tuition at public, independent, and religious schools, as well as other qualifying educational expenses, including tutoring, books, internet access, and after-school programs.

According to the letter, participation in the program could direct billions of dollars toward scholarships for students in kindergarten through 12th grade while easing the financial burden on families at no cost to New York taxpayers.

“This should not be a political decision. It should be a decision about what’s best for New York’s public and private school children,” Weber said. “The federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program provides a unique opportunity to expand educational choices and ease the financial burden on families without costing New York taxpayers a single dollar. Every day we delay is another day we risk leaving millions of federal dollars on the table and denying families opportunities that are already being embraced by states across the country. I urge the Governor to put students first and opt New York into this program immediately.”

State Senator Steve Chan called the proposal “a win-win” for scholarship organizations, students, parents, and donors, while Senators Patrick Gallivan and George Borrello also urged the governor to move quickly, saying the program would provide meaningful financial relief to families and expand educational opportunities for underserved students.

The senators noted that Governor Hochul has previously expressed support for the federal scholarship program. They concluded their letter by urging her to sign the election form without delay so schools and scholarship organizations can begin preparing and New York families do not miss out on the opportunity.