Legislative Alert: February 10, 2026

President's Message: Protect New York's Public Schools from Private Voucher Programs

The “One Big Beautiful Bill” creates a new federal tax credit that establishes the first nationwide school voucher program. If New York State opts in, it would allow up to $1,700 of individuals’ federal taxes to be used to subsidize private and religious school tuition for the very first time.

Similar programs across the country have demonstrated clear negative impacts. Voucher programs like this fail to improve student outcomes and leave public schools with fewer resources to support the students with the greatest needs. They undermine our education system, and vulnerable students are left without the safeguards and civil rights protections guaranteed by public schools.

Opting in to this federal voucher program would set a dangerous precedent for New York. Private and religious schools receiving subsidies operate with little oversight and accountability, as they are not required to disclose how taxpayer funds are spent.

Evidence from other states shows these programs grow in cost over time, creating long-term budget shortfalls for states while draining funds from public education and other essential services. Across the country, these proposals have been repeatedly rejected by voters at the ballot box. New York has consistently rejected state-level voucher proposals several times.

New York must reject this federal school voucher program and refuse to participate in any federal program that puts our public education system at risk.

Mario Cilento, President

Upcoming Meetings

NURSE ISSUES MEETING
Friday, February 13, 2026, 1 p.m.
This meeting will be located at the Albany office of the NYS AFL-CIO,
100 South Swan St. Albany, NY. 
This meeting is for labor representatives only.
Please RSVP to Nagma Singh at [email protected] 

LABOR LOBBYISTS MEETING
Monday, February 23, 2026, 1 p.m.
This meeting will be located at the Albany office of the NYS AFL-CIO,
100 South Swan St. Albany, NY. 
This meeting is for labor representatives only.
Please RSVP to Nagma Singh at [email protected]