PFPS Submits Public Comments Opposing Federal Voucher Program and Forthcoming Regulations

Today, Public Funds Public Schools submitted public comments opposing the federal tax credit voucher program included in the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill Act and any federal regulations or guidance that seeks to further divert public funds to private education.

On November 25, 2025, the Treasury Department and Internal Revenue Service issued a Request for Comments (RFC) on potential regulations and other issues related to implementation of the federal voucher program. (In the coming months, regulations will be formally proposed, and there will likely be additional opportunity for public comment.) The RFC makes clear the federal government’s intent to direct public funds to private education uses, while limiting the ability of states that opt in to the program to regulate it in ways that support public schools and their students.

PFPS’s comments enumerate the harms of voucher programs to students and public education, reiterating that vouchers should have no place in state or federal policy. State and federal efforts must instead continue to encourage, support, and adequately resource public schools, which serve the vast majority of students, and ensure that these schools provide a high quality, equitable, and non-discriminatory education that is open to all children.

Before this initial public comment period had even concluded, the Treasury Department and IRS released an “advance election” option allowing governors to opt in to the federal voucher program beginning on January 1, 2026 (the program will begin in 2027). Because of the inherent harms of the federal voucher program and the lack of clarity around its parameters, we continue to urge governors to just say no to federal vouchers.

“Beyond the federal voucher program, the Trump Administration has engaged in numerous efforts to erode funding and protections for public school students,” said Patrick Cremin, Staff Attorney at Education Law Center, which directs the PFPS campaign. “The federal voucher program is yet another example of the Administration's assault on public education and must be rejected.”

Comments can be submitted here. The deadline to submit comments is December 26, 2025.

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