NM Republican lawmaker urges Gov. Lujan Grisham to opt in to federal education tax credit program

April 1, 2026 - 02:57

A Republican state lawmaker is publicly urging Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to enroll New Mexico in a new federal program designed to boost private and homeschool scholarship funds. The initiative, known as the Education Freedom Credit, would allow the state to leverage a federal tax credit to support local students.

Under the program, individuals and businesses can receive a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 when they donate to state-approved, non-profit scholarship organizations. These organizations would then distribute the funds to help families cover educational expenses, such as private school tuition, tutoring, or homeschooling costs.

The push for participation highlights an ongoing national debate over school choice options. Proponents argue the credit empowers parents and provides crucial financial support for alternative education paths. They contend it would directly benefit New Mexico students without utilizing existing state education dollars.

The governor’s office has not yet issued a formal response to the request. The decision now rests with the administration on whether to establish the necessary framework for these scholarship-granting organizations, a move that would make New Mexico residents eligible for the federal tax benefit. The outcome will be closely watched by both school choice advocates and public education supporters across the state.