DOVER, Del. - State Rep. Mike Smith is urging Gov. Matt Meyer to have Delaware participate in a new federal scholarship tax credit program that would provide tax credits for donations to organizations that award K-12 scholarships.
Smith sent a letter to Meyer on Aug. 17, asking the governor to take the steps needed for Delaware to participate in the program for the 2027 tax year.
Under the program, individual taxpayers can receive a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for contributions to qualifying scholarship-granting organizations. Those organizations can use the contributions to provide scholarships for eligible students.
Scholarships can cover expenses including private school tuition, tutoring, textbooks, curriculum materials, computers and other learning technology. They can also cover certain educational therapies for students with disabilities, standardized testing fees and transportation.
Smith said participating would give Delaware families more educational options without costing state taxpayers money.
"I know firsthand the sacrifices families make to find the right educational fit for their children," Smith said. "Growing up in a full house with my Nan and cousins, I saw how every dollar mattered."
According to Smith, 30 states had elected to participate in the program for the 2027 tax year as of July 24.
Smith said federal law requires contributions made through the program to fund scholarships for eligible students within the state where the contribution is made.
"This is a no-brainer for Delaware," Smith said. "We can empower parents and help students succeed without costing our state taxpayers a single penny. It’s time to seize this opportunity."
