Lamont's Choice: Be the Education Governor or Let More Wealth Flee Connecticut
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Starting in 2027, the federal Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) will offer a game-changing $1,700 dollar-for-dollar tax credit for donations to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). Unlike a standard deduction, this credit directly wipes out $1,700 of your federal tax bill.
The Governor's Gatekeeper Role
For Connecticut students to benefit, Governor Lamont must officially "opt in" by providing the U.S. Treasury with a list of qualified local SGOs. So far, 30 Governors have joined, including New York’s Kathy Hochul who just announced plans to Opt-In. However, Connecticut remains one of 17 states still on the fence.
How SGOs Protect Taxpayers and Students
SGOs are strictly regulated to ensure the money actually helps kids: At least 90% of donations must go directly to scholarships. Families earning up to 300% of the Area Median Income qualify. In CT, this means families with incomes up to $440,000, covering roughly 90% of CT students, would be eligible for help with tuition or tutoring.
The Real "Drain" on Connecticut
Critics claim school choice drains public budgets, but this program uses private donations and federal credits—it doesn't touch state education funds.
The true risk? Capital flight. If Governor Lamont refuses to opt in, CT residents can still claim the $1,700 credit by donating to SGOs in other states. We would effectively be subsidizing the education of children in New York or Florida while CT students in cities like Bridgeport and New Haven see nothing.
No-Brainer
State Rep. Tina Courpas (R-Greenwich) has emerged as a leading voice calling for the Governor to act. Labeling the policy a "true no-brainer" and a "win-win," Courpas notes that the federal government is essentially offering to pay for these donations entirely.
Between the Lines: Governor Lamont has a choice: open the gates for private dollars to flow into Connecticut’s education system at zero cost to the state, or watch as even more wealth flees across our borders to benefit our neighbors. It’s time for the "Education Governor" to opt in.