The American Federation for Children announced on March 17 that the Kentucky legislature has overridden Governor Beshear’s veto of HB1, opting the state into the Education Freedom Tax Credit. The Senate voted to override the veto following a similar vote by the House earlier in the week.
The new law, part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, will take effect in 2027 and provides up to a $1,700 dollar-for-dollar credit for taxpayers who donate to qualified scholarship granting organizations. The organization described this as a significant step toward expanding school choice across all states.
Ryan Cantrell, Chief State Strategy Officer at the American Federation for Children, said, “Despite empty rhetoric, Governor Beshear made it clear by opposing the Education Freedom Tax Credit in Kentucky that he takes his marching orders from the big schooling unions. We applaud the Kentucky legislature for stepping up for families and students and overriding the Governor’s misguided veto. The Kentucky legislature is committed to empowering families and students with school choice, while ensuring taxpayers can contribute to scholarship granting organizations in their home state. This move is a no-brainer for Kentucky taxpayers, families, and most importantly, students.”
According to information provided by the American Federation for Children, it is described as the nation’s largest school choice advocacy organization and has helped pass more than 200 school choice laws nationwide. Its affiliated Super PAC focuses on electing education reform advocates at both state and federal levels.
Further details about this legislative development are available on the official roster page.
