A Republican member of the Maryland House of Delegates wants the state to opt into President Donald Trump’s school choice plan — but Democratic Gov. Wes Moore hasn’t yet said whether he would be on board.
Del. April Miller, who represents Frederick County, announced she’s filing legislation that would allow the state to opt into federal education tax credits passed under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act earlier this year. Under the plan, taxpayers could donate up to $1,700 toward private education grants and receive the same amount back as a tax credit.
“This federal tax credit and scholarship program has the potential to be a lifeline for so many Maryland families,” Miller said in a statement. “Participating in this program does not take a penny from state funds currently allocated for education. Allowing Marylanders to take advantage of this program is the right thing to do.”
But Moore’s office said it’s too early to decide on whether to opt into the tax credits, since the program isn’t yet fully defined.
“The governor is dedicated to ensuring every student in Maryland has access to the highest quality education,” Moore’s office said in an emailed statement. “The Trump administration’s approach, as part of the devastating budget bill congressional Republicans passed this year, is unprecedented. The Treasury Department has yet to issue guidance on the implementation of the program, it would be premature to make a decision to opt into a program with no clear definition on policies.”
Miller said standardized test scores show “we have children in schools in Maryland right now that need help.” She added that students “cannot wait for the promises of the Blueprint,” referring to landmark multi-billion-dollar education legislation passed by Democrats in 2021, known as the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.
The recent Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) scores showed some statewide improvement in English Language Arts (50.8% proficient), math (26.5% proficient) and science (28.5% proficient in grades 5 and 8).
The Maryland State Education Association said this summer that it would strongly oppose the federal tax credits, describing them as a giveaway to private schools, while public schools face drastic cuts in federal funding.
“I would hope the Governor can see the potential in this program and the good it can do for our students,” Miller said. “However, if he succumbs to political pressure, this legislation will provide Maryland students with what Governor Moore will not.”
Democratic leaders of the state house and senate didn’t respond to requests for comment on whether they would support opting in.
Have a news tip? Contact Brooke Conrad at bconrad@baltsun.com, 443-682-2356 or @conrad_brooke on X.