Governor Wes Moore faces a defining moment. Will he continue to listen to the powerful teachers’ unions that have long dominated Annapolis, or will he step up for every Maryland family and every struggling student? The opportunity to be a true leader is now, by opting Maryland into President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” education tax credit. This isn’t about political rhetoric; it’s about giving our children a fighting chance.
For too long, a student’s zip code has determined their destiny. The latest Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program scores reveal a stark and unacceptable reality: Only about half of 8th-graders are proficient in English Language Arts, and a staggering 74% of current 9th-graders are not proficient in math. These aren’t just numbers; they represent a generation of students being left behind, their futures dimmed by an education system that is failing to meet their most basic needs.
This is where the federal tax credit created by President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act is a game-changer. It offers a lifeline, not just to a select few, but to all Maryland families. A $1,700 tax credit is a critical tool for “school choice,” a term too often distorted by partisan politics. It’s an opportunity for a family trapped in a failing school to access a private school, a high-quality online curriculum, a charter school or even homeschooling.
But this isn’t just about tuition. The tax credit provides the flexibility to meet a child’s unique needs, a principle Governor Moore himself has championed. For the student at risk of being retained in third grade due to not being proficient in reading, the credit can provide desperately needed tutoring. For the 74% of students struggling with math, it can fund targeted after-school programs. For children with dyslexia or other learning disabilities, it can cover the cost of essential services and technology that many parents simply cannot afford. It can even be used for something as simple as transportation to a high-performing public charter school or the cost of uniforms.
The Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, a multibillion-dollar initiative, aims to bring equity by providing more resources to certain schools. Yet, it leaves the majority of students and families in the state without access to these same services. A “yes” to the federal tax credit would not undermine the Blueprint; it would complement it by providing a parallel path to success. It would bring the promise of tutoring, after-school activities and educational technology to every family, not just those in designated “community schools.”
By opting in, Governor Moore can demonstrate that he is a governor for all Marylanders — a leader who prioritizes student success over political loyalty. He can demonstrate his commitment to a truly equitable education system, one where a child’s potential is not limited by their address, and every parent has the power to choose the best path forward for their child.
However, if the governor declines the opportunity to do what is best for all of Maryland’s students, others are willing to pick up the ball and carry it to the goal. In the 2026 session of the Maryland General Assembly, I will be offering legislation allowing Maryland to participate in this tax credit and scholarship program.
The time for talk is over. The time for action is now.
Del. April Miller is a Republican representing District 4 in Frederick County.