$5 Billion School Voucher Program Stirs Senate Debate: Fiscal and Educational Implications

On May 22, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" by a narrow margin of 215-214 votes. This comprehensive legislation, a centerpiece of President Donald Trump's agenda, now heads to the Senate amidst significant opposition.

The bill proposes to extend previous tax cuts while introducing new benefits, such as exemptions on tips and overtime pay. It also suggests revisions to social programs, incorporating more stringent work requirements for Medicaid and SNAP and the removal of certain clean energy tax incentives. Notably, the package allocates sizable funding towards defense and border security.

Mechanics of the Proposed Voucher Program

Central to this proposal is a $5 billion annual initiative leveraging the federal tax code to incentivize donations to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). Donors would receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit, making it a lucrative option compared to standard charitable contributions. SGOs would then award these funds as scholarships, applicable to private school tuition, textbooks, and homeschooling expenses, as outlined by NPR.

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Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana advocates for this program, suggesting it enhances educational choice, a fundamental aspect of the American dream.

Debates and Divisions

Proponents argue that this initiative offers essential educational alternatives, especially for families in underperforming districts, thereby reinforcing "education freedom" and parental control over schooling decisions.

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However, detractors warn that it might siphon resources away from public schools and disproportionately favor affluent donors through potential tax avoidance strategies. Sasha Pudelski from the AASA stresses the risk of enhancing existing issues of waste and fraud found in voucher programs nationwide.

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Critics note a loophole where appreciated stock donations to SGOs could sidestep capital gains taxes while yielding tax credits, providing substantial financial advantage to high-income donors.

Impact on Public Education System

Advocacy groups, including the Campaign for Children, caution that such proposals could destabilize public education by diverting funds to private entities, heightening educational disparities and undermining the quality available to the majority of students attending public schools. The OSBA report emphasizes the need for policy solutions that benefit the 90% of U.S. students reliant on public education.

While its future in the Senate remains uncertain, especially amid opposition from Democrats and advocacy organizations, the potential enactment through budget reconciliation, requiring a simple majority, poses a significant legislative challenge. The decision holds profound implications for the educational funding landscape and access to resources across the United States.

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