Governor Kathy Hochul Officially Opts New York Into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit

DFER Analysis Estimates as Much as $5.08 Billion in Annual Scholarship Contributions

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) today celebrates New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to opt the state into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, ensuring New York students and families can benefit from new scholarships for qualified K-12 education expenses.

Gov. Hochul’s decision opens the door to billions of dollars in potential new education resources for New York students. A DFER analysis estimates that nearly 3 million New York taxpayers could potentially take advantage of the federal credit. If every potential redirector contributed the full amount allowed under the tax credit, as much as $5.08 billion annually could flow to scholarship granting organizations serving New York students.

DFER CEO Jorge Elorza said, “By opting in, Governor Hochul has displayed great courage and leadership. She consistently said she would opt in to the federal scholarship tax credit program so long as the Treasury Department did not insert any poison pills into the regulations. Today, she followed through on her promise and New York’s children will be the beneficiaries. Well done, Governor!”

“Today’s decision is a huge win for public school students across New York,” said Nicole Pollock, President of DFER. “A third grader in Rochester who’s behind in reading can get a tutor. A student in the Bronx can get the speech therapy or counseling her school can’t afford to provide. A teenager in Buffalo can get a ride to an after-school program and a laptop to do his homework. Treasury’s rules made clear these scholarships are for public school students too, and Governor Hochul’s bold action will make sure New York’s kids won’t miss out. Now the work starts to get these dollars to the families who need them.”

“Governor Hochul kept her word, and New York’s kids will be better off for it,” said Arne Duncan, senior fellow at DFER and former U.S. Secretary of Education. “Governor Hochul understands that the way to make this program work for the kids who need it most is to be at the table shaping it. Thanks to her courageous decision, students across the Empire State will have a new way to access K-12 resources next year. Every governor still waiting should follow her lead.”

The new federal program allows taxpayers to receive a tax credit of up to $1,700 for contributions to qualifying scholarship-granting organizations, which then provide scholarships to eligible students. Scholarships can support a broad range of qualified education expenses for students attending public, charter and private schools, including tutoring, academic enrichment, books and instructional materials, technology, transportation and services for students with disabilities.

The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit will take effect Jan. 1, 2027. With Gov. Hochul’s announcement, New York becomes the 31st state to formally opt into the program, and just the second Democratic governor, joining Colorado’s Jared Polis. Regulations issued by the U.S. Treasury on October 1, 2026 gave states until the end of the year to opt in for Year 1. Participating states must submit a list of qualifying scholarship-granting organizations to the IRS for the 2027 tax year.

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Democrats for Education Reform is a national political organization that supports Democratic leaders and candidates who champion innovative policies that expand opportunity, address inequities and improve outcomes for students.

A New Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC) Program Will Provide Tens of Billions of Dollars to Public School Students for K-12 Education

Democrats for Education Reform Once Again Calls on Every Democratic Governor to Opt In

Treasury Rules Confirm Public School Students Stand to Benefit from High-Dosage Tutoring, Test Prep, Transportation Costs, and More

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Treasury Department today released its proposed rules for the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, and they confirm what Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) has expected since June. Public school students stand to benefit from the program, using scholarships for tutoring, special-needs services and after-school programs, but governors must opt-in for the neediest families and students to utilize the new funds. And importantly for families, there is no “marriage penalty” so married couples filing jointly can claim the dollar-for-dollar credit of up to $3,400. With the program launching January 1, states that keep waiting are running out of time to be ready.

“For months, Democratic governors told us they were waiting on the rules from Treasury. Treasury has answered, and it confirmed that public school students are in,” said Jorge Elorza, CEO of DFER. “The safeguards are real. And the money will be spent whether you opt in or not. The governors who move now get to shape this program for their state’s students. The ones who wait will watch their residents’ tax dollars pay for scholarships in other states.

“Democrats have a chance to listen to their voters and deliver hundreds of millions of dollars for critical educational supports like tutoring, special-needs services and after-school programs. That’s new money, on top of what schools already allocate. But it can’t reach students if the groups that deliver it don’t have an infrastructure in place. Scholarship groups can’t be built overnight. Those groups have to get established, raise money, tell families the money is there, and build systems to check eligibility and pay for services. Every week a governor waits is a week those groups can’t start. The time to opt in is now.”

“We say every child deserves a great education, and here’s our chance to prove it,” said Arne Duncan, senior fellow at DFER and former U.S. Secretary of Education. “Only about a third of students are proficient in reading or math right now. That should be unacceptable to us. The action on education is in the states, and this program can bring hundreds of millions of dollars into each one for tutoring, special-needs services and after-school programs. Treasury’s rules confirm what we’ve anticipated for a while now: public school students will benefit. No program is perfect, but the only way to shape this one and make sure it works for the kids who need it most is to opt in. Republicans have sold fear. We have to sell excellence and show parents we’re fighting for their child. Democratic governors should be leaping at the chance to close the gap and own education again.”

Polling of likely general election voters in nine states with Democratic governors (California, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey and Pennsylvania) found majorities in every state support opting in, from 63% in Michigan to 78% in Pennsylvania. Support holds among Democrats (56% to 82%), Black voters (65% to 81%) and Latino voters (72% to 92%). In every state tested, voters sided with a candidate who backs the program over one who calls it a plan to privatize public schools. And asked where they would send up to $1,700 of their federal taxes, a plurality in every state asked chose local public schools.

DFER warned that the program’s success for public school students depends on how quickly states act. Scholarship-granting organizations must be certified, raise money, and build systems to check eligibility and pay for services before families can benefit. According to the National Association of Education Foundations, about 9,000 of the nation’s school districts have no local foundation positioned to serve as a partner today.

“The law ties these scholarships to the same expenses families can already cover through Coverdell education savings accounts: tutoring, special-needs services, books, technology, transportation and extended-day programs,” said Nicole Pollock, President at Democrats for Education Reform. “Many public schools and their partners already run eligible programs. What most don’t have yet is an SGO to expand them. Governors who opt in now give existing and new potential partners time to get certified and be ready for January 1.”

DFER urged undecided governors to follow New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, who announced New York would opt in while keeping the right to revisit if the final rule includes a poison pill. States, scholarship-granting organizations and taxpayers can rely on Treasury’s proposed rules for 2027.

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Democrats for Education Reform is a national political organization that supports Democratic leaders and candidates who champion innovative policies that expand opportunity, address inequities and improve outcomes for students.

DFER Congratulates David Crowley on Wisconsin Democratic Gubernatorial Primary Victory

Jorge Elorza, CEO of Democrats for Education Reform (DFER), issued the following statement congratulating Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley on winning the Democratic nomination for governor of Wisconsin:

“Congratulations to David Crowley on an extraordinary victory in Wisconsin. Just weeks after reentering the race, David mounted a remarkable comeback and earned the support of Democratic primary voters across the state. DFER was proud to support his campaign and to have a seat at the table in this important race.

“David understands that Democrats win when we stay focused on the issues that matter in people’s lives, including making sure every child has access to a great education and the opportunity to succeed. His victory shows there is a path for leaders who are focused on results, willing to take on tough challenges and committed to delivering for kids and families. We congratulate David and his team on an incredible campaign and look forward to the work ahead and win in November.”

Democrats for Education Reform is a national political organization that supports Democratic leaders and candidates who champion innovative policies that expand opportunity, address inequities and improve outcomes for students.

Democrats for Education Reform Elevates Nicole Pollock to President 

Announcement caps a period of growth that also includes Ravi Gupta joining as Research Fellow and new senior program, policy, and communications hires

(Providence, R.I.) – Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) today announced that Nicole Pollock, Chief of Staff and Strategy, has been named the organization’s President. 

“DFER is in a moment of real momentum, and I’m honored to help lead it into its next chapter. I’ve spent my career in public service turning big visions into measurable results,” said Pollock. “That’s the work ahead of us: building a movement that matches the scale of the problem, partnering with advocates, candidates, and lawmakers who are ready to deliver bold reforms, and making sure the Democratic Party is a home for parents and students who want to see real change.”

Pollock joined DFER’s executive leadership team in 2023, partnering closely with the CEO and board to scale the organization’s national impact. Before DFER, Pollock served as Chief of Staff in Providence from 2016 to 2023, where she led the city’s COVID-19 response, managed complex negotiations, and shaped the city’s strategic direction across operations, capital planning, and policy. Prior to her work in city government, she served as a lobbyist and advocate at the state and federal levels, driving transformative policy change in multiple fields.

“Nicole’s appointment as President of DFER reflects what we’re building as an organization: a movement led by people with both vision and a track record of high-level execution,” said Jorge Elorza, CEO of Democrats for Education Reform. “Nicole has experience building teams, shaping policy, and delivering outcomes in complex, high-stakes environments. I’m confident she will help take DFER’s impact to the next level.”

Ravi Gupta Joins as Research Fellow

Pollock’s elevation caps a period of organizational growth that also includes the addition of Ravi Gupta as Research Fellow. Gupta, founder and CEO of The Branch, founder of the RePublic Schools and Reimagine Prep charter networks, and a veteran of President Obama’s first campaign and administration, will lend his K–12 policy expertise, strengthen the organization’s research capabilities, and help broaden its thought leadership.

Gupta joins former U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan in DFER’s Fellows program, which amplifies the organization’s impact by lending experience, networks, and platforms to the cause of expanding educational opportunity for every child.

“American education is in measurable decline, and the party most responsible for governing our cities, the one that claims to speak for our most vulnerable, has responded with a decade of evasion and timidity,” said Gupta. “Nowhere is that more visible than in the blue-leaning states that should be setting the standard. I’m joining DFER because that failure is not inevitable, and because someone has to be willing to say so plainly and fight for something better.”

“Ravi brings exactly the kind of perspective we need to advance bold, pragmatic reforms. He’s built high-performing schools in communities that needed them, fought misinformation at a moment when that work has never mattered more, and he’s never been afraid to say hard things plainly,” said Elorza. “That’s exactly the energy we want in the Fellows program. Together, he and Arne further extend our reach in ways that will continue to push our party to think bigger about delivering for students and families.”

New Hires

DFER is also pleased to welcome Melanee Farrah as Director of National Programs, Matthew Braun as Senior Manager of Innovation and Choice, and Jon Stacey as Graphic Design and Digital Communications Manager. Melanee brings cross-sector experience and relationships that will help scale our state-by-state engagement with governors; Matthew brings deep subject-matter expertise that will strengthen DFER’s policy work across its portfolio; and Jon brings the creative and digital chops to sharpen how we communicate that work to the world.

Expanding the Team

Reflecting continued growth, DFER has several senior searches underway and welcomes referrals from partners and allies:

Senior Director of Partnerships and Advocacy — supporting the National Programs Team to advance DFER’s growing body of work with governors across the country and making the affirmative case for opting into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit.

Chief of Staff — a cross-functional role partnering with staff across the organization.

Netflix Co-Founder Reed Hastings Joins DFER Advisory Board, Bringing Disruptor’s Lens to Education Reform

The man who helped rewrite the rules of home entertainment is turning his attention to reimagining American schools

Washington, DC—Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) today announced that Reed Hastings, co-founder of Netflix and longtime education reform champion, has joined its advisory board, bringing the same disruptor’s instinct that transformed how the world watches television to one of the most urgent challenges facing American families: a school system in desperate need of reinvention.

Long before Netflix, Hastings taught math in southern Africa through the Peace Corps. Since then, he has invested decades and significant resources into building better schools—from chairing the California State Board of Education to serving on the boards of Khan Academy and KIPP, to backing early adaptive learning platforms that pioneered individualized instruction.

“When I look at American education, I see what I saw in entertainment 30 years ago: a model built for a different era, serving institutions instead of the people it was meant to serve,” said Hastings. “With a little courage and foresight, we were able to transform an entire industry. There’s no reason why we can’t muster that same ingenuity when it comes to our kids’ learning. The schools of the future won’t look like the schools of the past.”

Amid steep and persistent declines in reading, math, and science scores across grade levels, Hastings sees an opening. Just as Netflix replaced a one-size-fits-all broadcast model with something more personal and responsive, Hastings believes public education can make the same leap.

“Reed has spent more than two decades asking the hard questions about how we build schools where teachers can thrive and every kid gets a real shot,” said Jorge Elorza, CEO of Democrats for Education Reform. “He’s never been interested in the system for its own sake but rather he’s focused on results for students and families. That’s exactly the kind of voice and vision we need at this table and we’re thrilled to have him join this important work.”

Hastings has also been vocal that the traditional classroom model—one teacher, 20-to-50 students, sage-on-a-stage—is ripe for reinvention. He sees AI enabling a shift where teachers become more like coaches and build deep relationships with students. He points to the rise of AI in chess as a model: technology didn’t kill the game, it produced a generation of stronger, more passionate players.

“AI is a once-in-a-thousand-year shift, and what happens in K-12 is at the center of it,” Hastings continued. “The schools that figure out how to combine individualized software with teachers focused on social-emotional development are going to unlock something we’ve never seen before. That requires the kind of governance innovation and political will that DFER has been building for years. I want to help push that forward.”

Hastings’ addition to the advisory board deepens DFER’s bench of leaders committed to reimagining what public education can be, not by abandoning its mission, but by finally delivering on it.

ABOUT REED HASTINGS

Reed Hastings was co-founder of Netflix in 1997 and served as CEO for 25 years. Prior to Netflix Reed founded Pure Software, which he took public and sold in 1997. He is a board member of Bloomberg and Anthropic, both private companies. As a passion, Reed purchased Powder Mountain and is leading the expansion of the private real estate as CEO. Reed is an active educational philanthropist and was President of the California State Board of Education. He is currently on the board of several educational non-profits including KIPP, City Fund, and the Charter School Growth Fund. He received a B.A. in math from Bowdoin College in 1983, and an M.S.C.S. in artificial intelligence from Stanford University in 1988. Between Bowdoin and Stanford, Reed served in the Peace Corps as a high school math teacher.

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New PA Poll: 78% of Keystone State Voters Support Opting Into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC) 

Critical K–12 resources hang in the balance — opting-in will deliver new funding for millions of families, or let resources flow to other states.

Harrisburg, PA — Education Reform Now (ERN) today released findings from a new poll of Pennsylvania 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 Shapiro to bring new federal resources directly to families — at no cost to the state budget.

According to the survey, an overwhelming majority of Pennsylvania voters, 78% favor Governor Shapiro opting into FSTC, compared to just 12% who oppose. Support spans party and demographic lines, with 82% of Democrats, 85% of Hispanic voters, and 81% of Black voters backing participation. 

If Pennsylvania does not opt in, by default, it will see over $3 billion leave the state in the form of federal taxes by individual taxpayers. By opting in to FSTC, the state will have the chance to recoup those dollars and apply them towards K-12 educational supports. Furthermore, since FSTC offers a one-to-one tax credit, taxpayers who pay more than $1,700 a year in federal taxes can contribute $1,700 to a local scholarship granting organization and it wouldn’t cost the 

taxpayer one cent. In effect, instead of sending the money to the IRS general fund, the taxpayer can send it to a PA-based organization that is serving the youth.

A recent state by state projection conducted by Education Reform Now estimates that if PA is able to get only 30% of its taxpayers, who would otherwise be sending their dollars to the federal government as tax payments, to give to local scholarship granting organizations, Pennsylvania could generate $967 million annually in new scholarship and tutoring resources. Those funds would support families directly — paying for tutoring, school supplies, internet access, and tuition — without affecting the state budget. 

Jorge Elorza, CEO of Democrats for Education Reform said, “This is a moment for political courage and bold vision. Governor Shapiro has already demonstrated time and again that he will do what it takes to deliver for Pennsylvania families. 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 the Keystone State that they come first.”

Read the full findings here: [STATE POLLING FSTC MEMO]

See the state-by-state calculations here: [FSTC / ECCA PROJECTIONS]

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New CA Poll: Strong Majority of California Voters Support Opting Into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC) 

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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New NJ Poll: Mikie Sherrill Holds 9-Point Lead in Race for Governor

Overwhelming Majority of Voters Support Early Intervention Policies to Improve 3rd Grade Literacy 

Trenton, NJ — A new statewide poll commissioned by Education Reform Now Advocacy (ERNA) shows Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill holding a commanding 9-point lead (49% to 40%) over Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli in the race for New Jersey governor. The survey finds Sherrill leading across key groups, including a 9-point advantage among independents (48% to 39%), a 63-point lead with Black voters (70% to 7%), and a 15-point lead with Latino voters (50% to 35%). 

Sherrill also maintains a +3 net positive favorability rating (45% favorable/42% unfavorable) while Ciattarelli is under water at 41% favorable and 49% unfavorable. His -8 negative rating matches President Donald Trump’s net negative rating (44% favorable/52% unfavorable).

“From her years as a prosecutor to her service in Congress, Mikie Sherrill has consistently delivered for New Jersey families with courage and conviction,” said Jorge Elorza, CEO of Education Reform Now Advocacy. With Election Day just weeks away, voters across the Garden State are making it clear they trust her steady, pragmatic leadership to move New Jersey forward.”

Elorza continued, “New Jersey voters from every demographic are telling us the status quo isn’t good enough. They want measurable progress in our K-12 education system, including early literacy interventions to help kids read at grade level, interdistrict enrollment to give parents more school choice options, and accountability measures to produce better outcomes. There’s a clear appetite for leadership that delivers tangible results, and a Sherrill administration would have both the mandate and the plan to deliver it.”

Sherrill has made improving third-grade literacy a cornerstone of her education agenda, and the polling shows voters are firmly behind that focus. Huge majorities, spanning diverse constituencies—82% supporting stronger accountability, nearly three-quarters calling for expanded tutoring and early-reading programs, and wide bipartisan backing for innovation in schools—agree that ensuring every child reads on grade level by third grade should be a top state priority. 

On the education findings, Elorza added,“What’s striking is how strongly voters back bold action on accountability and on creating more opportunities for students. That tells us that these priorities aren’t just good policy, they’re winning issues. And simply put, they reflect a vision of progress that voters trust Governor Sherrill to make a reality.”

Read the full findings here: FINAL NJ STATEWIDE FINDINGS 10.24

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New Data Projects Potential $24 Billion Boost for Students Through Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) 

Analysis highlights the stakes for Democratic governors: opt in and deliver billions for families, or watch resources flow to other states

Washington, DC — Education Reform Now (ERN) today released a new analysis projecting the potential financial impact of the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), a federal tax credit scholarship program set to launch in 2027. The report estimates that if governors opt into the program and engage families effectively, ECCA could redirect more than $24 billion nationally each year to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs), funding tutoring, school supplies, tuition, and other critical academic supports.

The memo outlines a number of participation scenarios, showing that even modest taxpayer engagement could translate into significant resources. At just a 1% participation rate among eligible taxpayers (“Redirectors” — those with $1,700 or more in federal tax liability), states would raise over $800 million annually. At higher engagement levels, such as 15% or 30% participation, the potential climbs into the tens of billions.

“This analysis demonstrates a golden opportunity for governors: by opting into ECCA, they can unlock billions in new funding and resources at no cost to their state budgets,” said Jorge Elorza, CEO of Education Reform Now. “Governors who seize this opportunity can shape the program in their states, deliver tangible results for families, and show that they’re actually listening to parents, not party orthodoxy or special interests.” 

Elorza continued, “This is a moment for political courage. ECCA is already law and it puts practical solutions within reach. Opting in is about proving that families, not politics, come first. Governors have a chance to deliver more options, better resources, and student-centered innovation for working families, all while demonstrating that they’re willing to put students above the status quo.”

Unlike state-level tax credit programs that have relied on a small pool of high-net-worth donors, ECCA is structured to encourage broad-based participation. Every taxpayer who meets the threshold has the option to redirect up to $1,700 of their taxes from the federal government to an SGO of their choice. That design, combined with national visibility and potential federal promotion, positions ECCA to reach scale far beyond typical state programs.

The analysis also notes that states that are proactive in promoting the program — by partnering with employers, tax preparers, and community organizations — are most likely to capture its full potential. Conversely, states that opt out risk losing out entirely, as donations from their taxpayers will simply flow to SGOs in other states. 

Elorza added: “This is a rare win-win: families gain new resources, schools gain new partners, and governors can deliver solutions without tapping state budgets. Opting in is a no-brainer; it’s sound policy, and smart politics.”

Read the full projections here: ECCA PROJECTIONS

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New National Polling Shows an Overwhelming Majority of Voters Support Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) 

Findings highlight opportunity for Democratic governors to deliver resources directly to families

Washington, DC — Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) today released findings from a new national poll showing broad public support for the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA). The polling underscores growing pressure on Democratic governors to decide whether their states will participate in the federal program set to take effect in 2027. 

According to the survey, nearly two-thirds of voters (64%) favor their governor opting into ECCA, compared to just 19% who oppose. Of voters who expressed an opinion on ECCA, 77% favor their governor opting into the program. Support is strong across key constituencies, including:

  • Democrats: Overall 61% support, 20% oppose, 19% no opinion. Of the voters who expressed an opinion, 75% supported their governor opting in.
  • Hispanic voters: Overall 68% support, 16% oppose, 16% no opinion. Of the voters who expressed an opinion, 81% supported their governor opting in.
  • Black voters: Overall 63% support, 20% oppose, 17% no opinion. Of the voters who expressed an opinion, 76% supported their governor opting in.

The findings suggest that Democratic leaders who embrace the program could tap into a rare point of bipartisan consensus at a time of deep political division.

“This polling makes it clear that opting into ECCA isn’t just smart policy, it’s good politics. Supporting ECCA is a winning issue that Democrats can’t afford to get wrong,” said Jorge Elorza, CEO of Democrats for Education Reform. “Parents want more choices, better resources, and student-centered innovation for their kids’ education. By opting in, Governors have a chance to deliver all three for working families while demonstrating that they’re willing to put students above partisanship and the status quo.”

Support for ECCA is consistent across demographic groups, with little variation by race, gender, or education level, even showing strong support alongside both college graduates (68% / 18%) and non-college graduates (60% / 18%). Notably, opposition remains under one in five voters across all groups tested, pointing to broad enthusiasm that ECCA represents an opportunity for families nationwide.

Elorza added, “Families shouldn’t lose out on resources just because of where they live or what party their governor belongs to. These findings show that voters, especially those in communities of color, want leaders who will say yes to opportunity. Supporting ECCA will help Democrats align their policy priorities with those of voters who have steadily drifted away from the party in recent elections.”

Beyond the program itself, the poll sheds light on broader voter attitudes toward education politics. Democrats are essentially tied with Republicans (37% to 36%) on which party voters trust most on education. That margin is driven by strong partisan alignment, with Independents more likely to trust neither party (32%).

The Emerson College Polling national survey was conducted August 25–26, 2025, among a sample of 1,000 U.S. active registered voters. The poll has a credibility interval of +/- 3 percentage points.

Read the full findings here: [National ECCA Poll Findings Memo.pdf]

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