A new federal tax credit could deliver scholarships, improve literacy and increase educational opportunity in Delaware.
The recent passage of the “Big Beautiful Bill” marks a significant development for school choice. The bill includes a federal tax credit program that allows Americans to donate to organizations that provide K-12 private school scholarships. However, governors must opt in for their state’s families to access these benefits.
In Delaware — where only 41% of students read at grade level, and 31% are proficient in math — this is a chance to provide more options for families, especially those in underperforming schools. Opting in does not require legislative approval, giving Gov. Matt Meyer the power to directly expand school choice, particularly for low-income, Black and Hispanic families trapped in underperforming public schools.
Delaware ranks among the top 10 states for per-pupil spending ($21,641 a year) yet remains in the bottom five for academic performance, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress.
For decades, the Delaware legislature and teachers union have opposed education reforms, resulting in ongoing student declines. This new federal program offers a way to provide scholarships and improve education, without raising state spending.
School choice has broad support across party lines, particularly among low-income, Black and Hispanic families. If Delaware opts out of the tax credit, residents can still donate to scholarship funds — but these dollars will benefit students in other states, not here at home.
Even public schools could benefit: Scholarship funds could cover tutoring, transportation, textbooks and summer programs.
The federal tax credit offers Delaware the chance to lead once again, as the First State. Opting in would allow families to find the best fit for their children’s education.
Dr. Tanya Hettler
Director, Center for Education Policy at the Caesar Rodney Institute
Member, Conservative Education Reform Network at the American Enterprise Institute
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
