Michigan Dept. of Education Votes Against Program That Would Fund Students’ Education

Union opposition intensifies pressure as governor weighs Trump-backed tax credit scholarships

LANSING, Mich. - Michigan’s top education officials have voted against participating in a new federal school choice program backed by President Donald Trump, setting up a high-stakes decision for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on whether the state will ultimately opt in.

The Michigan Department of Education voted 6 to 2 to oppose the initiative, known as the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit program. The vote is not final policy but signals strong opposition from state education leaders as the decision now rests with Whitmer.

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The program was signed into law in July 2025 as part of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” It creates a nationwide tax-credit scholarship system aimed at expanding school choice for families.

Under the plan, individuals can receive tax credits of up to $1,700 for donating to nonprofit scholarship organizations. Those groups then distribute funds to families to help cover private school tuition, tutoring, and other education-related costs.

Supporters say the program empowers parents and gives students more educational options, including private, religious, and alternative schooling. Federal officials and Republican lawmakers argue it could help lower costs and improve outcomes, particularly for families seeking alternatives to struggling schools.

Opposition has been especially strong from teachers unions who have come out firmly against the plan. Unions argue the program functions as a backdoor voucher system that could divert resources and attention away from public schools. They warn it could weaken public education by encouraging students and funding to shift into private systems that are not subject to the same oversight.

Public school advocates have echoed those concerns, urging Whitmer to reject the program and instead focus on strengthening Michigan’s traditional public school system.

The federal program is voluntary, meaning each state must choose whether to participate. More than two dozen states have already opted in, increasing pressure on Michigan leaders to take a position.

That decision now falls squarely on Whitmer.

So far, Whitmer has not committed to joining the program. She has indicated she is still reviewing the details and has not announced whether she will approve or reject participation.

Supporters of the program argue it could expand opportunity by giving families more control over their children’s education and creating competition among schools. U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, who supports school choice efforts, said, “School choice creates more competition among schools and helps schools reach their full potential.” Advocates say that kind of competition, paired with financial support through tax-credit scholarships, could give more students access to better educational options.

If Whitmer chooses to opt in, Michigan families could begin accessing the scholarships as the program rolls out. If she declines, Michigan would remain outside the federal initiative for now.