URGING THE GOVERNOR TO RECONSIDER HIS DECISION NOT TO ALLOW HAWAII TO PARTICIPATE IN THE FEDERAL EDUCATION FREEDOM TAX CREDIT PROGRAM.

This bill urges the Governor of Hawaii to reconsider the decision not to allow the state to participate in the Federal Education Freedom Tax Credit Program. The program would provide federal tax credits of up to $1,700 for donations to scholarship organizations, which could then be used to fund scholarships for K-12 students from low- and middle-income households. By opting in, Hawaii would enable families to use these funds for private school tuition, tutoring, and other educational support services without reducing public school funding. The resolution requests that the state designate local scholarship organizations to receive donations, thereby expanding educational options for Hawaii students.