Another Democratic Governor Opts In to Federal Scholarship Tax Credit

Harrisburg, Pa., November 9, 2026—Last week, New Mexico became the 32nd state to opt in to the federal scholarship tax credit (FSTC). New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham joins fellow Democratic Govs. Kathy Hochul of New York and Jared Polis of Colorado in saying yes to a program that expands educational opportunities for students, including those in public schools.

“New Mexico must take advantage of every dollar we can to bolster public education and continue our state’s upward trajectory in literacy and student achievement,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham when announcing the state’s participation.

Pennsylvania’s Gov. Josh Shapiro has yet to make a decision on the commonwealth’s participation but is “open” to the program per recent comments.

Just last week, the Coalition for Education Freedom in Pennsylvania, a partnership of 30+ organizations, sent a letter to the governor’s desk urging for Pennsylvania’s participation.

Recent polling shows 88% of Pennsylvania voters support Shapiro opting in. 

Rachel Langan, senior education policy analyst of the Commonwealth Foundation, offered the following statement in response:

“Democratic Governors Michelle Lujan Grisham, Kathy Hochul, and Jared Polis have said yes to more educational opportunities for kids in their states. Gov. Shapiro has the same choice. He can open the door to hundreds of millions of dollars in private scholarship donations for Pennsylvania students, or he can pass up that opportunity and let those donations go to students in other states.

“For public school students, these scholarships can help pay for tutoring, extended day programming, special education services, and more

“At a time when so many families are struggling to make ends meet, they deserve every resource available to help their children access more educational opportunities. Pennsylvania should be the 33rd state to say yes.”

Commonwealth Foundation released new analysis on what Pennsylvania stands to lose if Gov. Shapiro fails to opt in based on school district, county, and legislative district. View the full analysis here.