State Rep. Tim Kelly (R-93) today called on Governor Whitmer to promptly opt into the federal School Choice Tax Credit Program—an initiative included in the “One Big Beautiful Bill” signed by President Trump on July 4, 2025—warning that refusal would deny thousands of struggling Michigan students critical educational opportunities. “This program delivers a permanent, 100% federal tax credit—up to $1,700—for every donation to Scholarship Granting Organizations that serve families earning up to 300% of the local median income,” Kelly explained. “The deadline to opt in is looming, and Michigan students should not be left on the sidelines.”

Kelly noted that states must affirmatively choose to participate. Without a timely opt-in, Michigan families will be unable to receive the scholarships—funds that, unlike public school funding, flow directly to students and parents for tuition, tutoring, therapy, tech, and more.

“Opting in costs Michigan nothing. It doesn’t divert school funding—it simply empowers donors and directs federal support straight to families,” said Kelly. “Failure to act will leave struggling students locked out of the opportunity to attend schools that meet their needs.”

School choice advocates have already urged governors nationwide to seize this opportunity.

“Michigan students deserve real alternatives,” Kelly continued. “Governor Whitmer now has a clear choice: stand with families or side with the status quo. I urge her to join the 40+ states already considering participation, give Michigan’s children a voice, and act before the end-of-year deadline.”

Why It Matters for Michigan:

• Broad eligibility: Scholarships serve families with incomes up to 300% of the median, covering 85–90% of Michigan’s K–12 students.
• Flexible use: Funds may be used for private schools, tutoring, therapy, transportation, technology, AP fees, and more.
• No cost to the state: Federal tax credit is funded by donor contributions, not state taxpayers.

Representative Kelly’s call is clear: if Gov. Whitmer wants to stand by struggling students and bolster parental empowerment without costing Michigan taxpayers a dime, she must opt in before year’s end—or be held accountable for Michigan’s continued education decline.

About Rep. Kelly

Tim Kelly chairs the Appropriations Subcommittee on School Aid & Department of Education. He is a passionate advocate for education funding, school choice, and fiscal responsibility. A former Saginaw County Commissioner and party chair, Kelly resides in Saginaw Township with his wife, Deenie. He holds a BA in Mass Communication from the University of Denver.

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