Michigan should think twice before joining a new tax credit program for schools

Michigan has a long history of rejecting school vouchers, and this new federal program could be another way to bypass public education. Instead of directly funding private schools through vouchers, this plan offers tax credits to people who donate to groups that hand out scholarships. But here’s the catch: these scholarships likely won’t serve all students equally. Public schools must accept every child, but private schools can pick and choose who they educate. That means wealthy families or those already paying for private school would benefit the most, leaving others behind. Another problem is money. The program could cost up to $24 billion a year at the federal level—more than what goes to programs for low-income students or kids with disabilities. Even if Michigan only chips in a small part, it could weaken funding for public schools that most families rely on. And once these programs start, they’re hard to stop. Other states have seen voucher programs expand beyond their original limits, often benefiting families who don’t really need the help.The way this program works also raises big questions. The U. S. Treasury—not the Education Department—will decide the rules, leaving states with little control. Will these scholarship groups discriminate? How will they track results? The law says they must spend 90% of their money on scholarships, but the details are still messy. Plus, the money could create a whole new industry of groups just to manage the program, making oversight even trickier. Michigan voters have rejected vouchers before—in 1970, 1978, and 2000—because they want strong public schools, not private alternatives. Since governors alone decide if states join this program, there’s no chance for public input. That’s why critics warn this isn’t about school choice—it’s about redirecting money away from public education.