EXCLUSIVE: Swing State Lays Groundwork To Stop Democrats From Abolishing School Choice Program
Georgia Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones unveiled legislation Monday that would prevent future Democratic administrations in the state from revoking Georgia’s participation in the federal school choice tax credit program.
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act gives parents access to scholarships to send their children to better schools through the Education Freedom Tax Credit system. However, each state must opt in to allow families to benefit from this program. Because a state’s decision to join can vary depending on the governor’s administration, Jones is taking steps now to ensure that Georgia will be covered continuously, regardless of these changes in leadership.
The federal program allows anyone to benefit from a tax credit of up to $1,700 for their contributions paid to a granting organization. However, only families from states that have joined the program can benefit from the scholarships that the organizations then distribute.
In other words, by encouraging donations, the tax credit helps maintain expanded school choice for state residents over the long term, without direct government interference.
Jones is introducing a bill that will make Georgia’s participation in the program permanent, preventing any future governor from revoking the state’s enrollment. If signed into law, Senate Bill 446 would direct the Department of Revenue “to keep Georgia in the program perpetually,” according to a press release first obtained by the Daily Caller News Foundation.
No child should be stuck in a failing school. @POTUSThe historic Educational Freedom Tax Credit creates affordable school choice options, allowing families to choose the education that best fits their needs. pic.twitter.com/fgDdizpn5p
– Secretary Linda McMahon (@EDSecMcMahon) January 28, 2026
“I am proud to lead the General Assembly’s efforts to ensure the continuation of the Georgia Education Freedom Tax Credit,” Jones told DCNF. “I will always advocate for school choice and ways to provide families with affordable educational opportunities in our great state.”
Georgia officially joined the program on January 20. The District of Columbia and 23 states, such as Minnesota, California and New York, have not signed. (EXCLUSIVE: School choice produces better results with less taxpayer money in Wisconsin, report says)
The state passed a bill in 2024 creating the Georgia Promise Scholarship, which gives families in low-performing school districts up to $6,500 a year to pursue options at nonpublic schools or to cover tutoring services.
“Every Georgia parent deserves the freedom to choose the educational environment that best meets their child’s unique needs,” Jones said in the press release. “Choosing a school is about opportunity, responsibility, and prioritizing students and their unique needs. When parents are empowered, schools improve and children succeed. Georgia is leading the way – and we’re just getting started.”
All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent, nonpartisan news service, is available free to any legitimate news publisher capable of delivering a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporter’s byline and DCNF affiliation. For questions about our guidelines or our partnership, please contact licenses@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.
