His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, joined Invest in Education Foundation to discuss how the new federal tax credit scholarship program could empower more New York City parents to choose the best education options for their children
New York City, NY – Today, Cardinal Dolan, along with students, parents and school choice advocates, spoke in New York City at the event, “Empowering Parents.”
The event was hosted by Invest in Education Foundation, an organization that educates the public and policymakers about the educational opportunity that the new federal tax credit scholarship program could provide for New York families. This new federal tax credit scholarship, signed into law on July 4, 2025, would generate exponentially more charitable donations to scholarship granting organizations that would expand educational opportunity for tens of thousands of children in public and private schools across the Empire State.
The federal law provides governors with the discretion whether to allow their respective state’s children to benefit from the new scholarships that would result from the tax credit donation incentive. Governors must “opt in” to the federal tax credit scholarship programs not later than January 1, 2027, when it takes effect, in order for students in that state to benefit from the incentive.
The federal tax credit scholarship program, based on the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), would help K-12 students access a school or education service of their parents’ choice. Scholarships are funded with private donations, not federal money, and donors receive a 100 percent federal tax credit of up to $1,700 annually. Students could use scholarships for tuition, tutoring to address learning loss, special needs services, or education technology, among other uses.
As one of the city’s leading scholarship granting organizations (SGO), Inner-City Scholarship Fund (ICSF) is dedicated to providing tuition assistance for families with financial needs the opportunity to have a quality, values-based K-12 Catholic education within the Archdiocese of New York. Through their scholarship fund, Inner-City enables students and their families to overcome enormous odds and, through quality education, break the cycle of poverty.
The new tax credit scholarship law would enable current SGOs such as ICSF and Children’s Scholarship Fund, and future SGOs, including ones supported by Teach Coalition across multiple states, to fund thousands more scholarships for K-12 students.
Here is what school choice champions are saying:
His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, said: “Our mission in Catholic education has always been to give every child a strong, faith-rooted foundation. But many families in New York cannot afford the tuition, despite their desire for quality schooling. Expanding educational freedom is a necessary step so that families, especially for the poor, can access environments that upliftft both character and intellect.”
Sister Mary Grace Walsh, Superintendent of Schools in the Archdiocese of New York, said: “Throughout my years serving in education, I’ve witnessed families struggle to find options that honor both faith and academic rigor. This scholarship program offers a way to remove barriers so parents can choose what’s truly best for their children’s holistic growth — morally, spiritually, and intellectually.”
Jill Lloyd, Executive Director, Inner-City Scholarship Fund, said: “At Inner-City Scholarship Fund, we see daily how financial constraints should never be the barrier between a child and an excellent education. Our mission is to extend access to Catholic schools for hardworking families in New York City — but demand always outpaces resources. This federal tax credit program would unlock more scholarship dollars, giving more children the chance to attend schools that align with their values and learning needs.”
Josiah Marquez, a former student at Our Lady of Lourdes, said: “The scholarship I received was not something I earned solely; it was made possible by the generosity of donors who believed in students like me. Because of them, I was able to learn in a safe and supportive environment of my parents’ choosing. That opportunity shaped my identity, strengthened my faith, and opened doors I didn’t even know existed. The tax credit benefit in this bill can make stories like mine more common, not rare. And ensure every child has access to an education regardless of their family circumstances or income.”
Darla Romfo, President & CEO of Children’s Scholarship Fund, said: “Parents should be empowered to choose their child’s education; it is as simple as that. The new federal tax credit scholarship program is a historic step that would open more doors for families right here in New York City to provide their child the education that best fits their needs. If even just one percent of New York taxpayers took the credit, it would generate $170 million in scholarships—which is enough to provide scholarships for 34,000 students to choose better schools or educational services.”
Sydney Altfield, CEO of Teach Coalition, said: “Today’s event serves as another powerful reminder of the importance of supporting ALL children no matter where they attend school. Right now, millions of advocates across New York, and nationwide, are fighting for transformational initiatives like the federal scholarship program, as well as critical support for security and more, all to ensure the simple idea that every child should be able to learn and thrive in the school that fits them best. We applaud today’s efforts and look forward to more opportunities to make our voices and concerns heard.”
Anthony J. de Nicola, Chairman of the Board at Invest in Education Foundation, said: “The new federal tax credit scholarship program will make a substantial impact on education access for students in New York State and across the country. This is about justice in education. This program would significantly broaden access to scholarship support — not as a replacement for public schools, but as a complement that empowers families, strengthens competition, and ensures that every child, regardless of their zip code or income can have access to a quality education. In New York City, that opportunity matters more than ever.”
To learn more, please visit investineducation.org.
About Invest in Education Foundation
Invest in Education Foundation is a non-partisan research and policy 501(c)(3) organization that educates the public and policymakers about school choice as a means to expand educational freedom and opportunity for K-12 parents and students. IIEF is subject to laws and regulations that prohibit it from participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign on behalf of (or in opposition to) any candidate for elective public office. IIEF expressly disavows any partisan opinions or activities that are not made in accordance with these provisions: such opinions and activities are not authorized and may not be attributed to the IIEF.
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