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tal funds that can be disbursed through the program and no expiration date for the credit, which goes into effect Jan. 1, 2027.
Although Trump and congressional Republicans deserve major kudos for getting this passed, it still falls short of the mark.
One problem — it’s not enough. The version in the House bill had the credit up to $5,000 but this got whittled down to $1,700 in the bill that finally passed. Per Education Data Initiative, average tuition in private schools, combining both primary and secondary schools, is $13,302. So, it will take eight $1,700 contributions to reach this. Further, there are some 50 million students in elementary and secondary public schools. To get just 5% out, at an average private tuition of $13,200, means $33.3 billion. That’s 19.5 million individual $1,700 contributions. Can this happen? We’ll see. But, again, we’re just talking about 5%.
How about using the $82.5 billion discretionary budget of the Department of Education to fund scholarships?
Another major obstacle is the provision that requires states to opt in to the program. Many believe that blue state governors won’t do it. Sad, but possibly very true.
Of course, education is more than math and reading. It is a platform of 12 years in which values are transmitted to our youth. If you want to know the values being transmitted, log on to the websites of the two major teachers unions — the National Education Association and the American Federation of Teachers — and the hard left agenda emerges loud and clear — DEI, LGBTQ, Trump being called a fascist, advocating liberation from the public schools being called an attack on democracy, etc.
With all the horror about what’s happening at our universities, K-12 is where it starts.
It’s time to break the public school monopoly and give parents control over educating their children.
Star Parker is the founder of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education. Her recent book, “What Is the CURE for America?” is available now. She is also the author of “Necessary Noise: How Donald Trump Inflames the Culture War and Why This Is Good News for America.” To find out more about Star Parker and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2025 CREATORS. COM
