Critical K–12 resources hang in the balance — opting-in will deliver new funding for millions of families, while opting-out will let resources leave the state.
Sacramento, CA — Education Reform Now (ERN) today released findings from a new poll of California voters showing broad public support for the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC), the first-of-its-kind program set to take effect in 2027. The findings mirror national trends showing bipartisan approval and highlight a major opportunity for Governor Newsom to bring new federal resources directly to families, at no cost to the state budget.
According to the survey, a majority of California voters (59%) favor Governor Newsom opting into FSTC. Support spans demographic lines, with 76% of Black voters, 68% of Latino voters, and 66% of parents backing participation.
If California doesn’t opt in, billions in federal tax dollars will, by default, go to the IRS general fund instead of staying to support local students. Opting in would allow the state to recapture those funds and redirect them toward K–12 education at no cost to taxpayers or the state budget. Because FSTC offers a one-to-one tax credit, any taxpayer who pays $1,700 or more in federal taxes could contribute that same amount to a California-based scholarship organization instead of the IRS general fund, with no added cost to them.
Rachel Elginsmith, Chief Executive Officer of The BASIC Fund, the state’s largest non-denominational early learning scholarship-granting organization (SGO) said, “Every day, we see how much a scholarship expands educational options and can change a child’s life. Families aren’t asking for politics, they’re asking for opportunity. California can lead the way by saying yes to a program that empowers parents, expands access, and keeps much-needed resources here at home.”
New projections from Education Reform Now show that if just 30% of California taxpayers redirected their federal tax payments this way, the state could generate $3.1 billion a year for scholarships, tutoring, and other direct student supports like school supplies and internet access.
The findings also showed that Governor Newsom currently holds a +15 net favorability rating statewide (50% favorable / 35% unfavorable), giving him a strong platform to lead on an issue that blends fiscal pragmatism with educational equity. For a governor often mentioned as a future presidential contender, embracing FSTC would demonstrate bold, values-driven leadership that benefits working- and middle-class families while distinguishing his vision for progressive governance.
Jorge Elorza, CEO of Education Reform Now said, “This is a moment for bold vision, and Governor Newsom has a chance to put California kids before politics. FSTC is already law, so he doesn’t have to wait for the legislature. Opting in is the pragmatic thing to do, and it will show students and families across California what leadership on education looks like.”
Read the full findings here: [CA POLLING FSTC MEMO]
See the state-by-state calculations here: [FSTC / ECCA PROJECTIONS]
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