Gov Kathy Hochul signs New York onto Trump's school choice program despite teachers union opposition

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul on Friday signed on to join President Donald Trumps school choice program despite opposition from teachers unions.

"Every parent wants their child to have a great education and the best possible chance to succeed. Thats what guides my decisions as governor," Hochul announced Friday.

"New Yorks public schools are the backbone of communities across this state," she added. "Thats why Ive made historic investments in public education, increasing school funding by more than $10 billion and fully funding Foundation Aid for the first time."

GOV HOCHUL'S PLAN TO OPT NEW YORK INTO FEDERAL SCHOOL CHOICE PROGRAM DRAWS UNION OPPOSITION

Despite Hochul's stated intention to participate, major labor groups and remain staunchly opposed. A coalition of teachers unions and other public school advocates launched a petition demanding that Hochul reject the program.

"Gov. Hochul plans to opt New York in starting in 2027. But most New Yorkers havent even heard of this program or know how it will affect New York," the petition states. "Tax dollars would help pay private tuition for families who never used public schools."

Sydney Altfield, Scholarships for All founder and Teach Coalition CEO, told Fox News Digital, "This is a tremendous day for New Yorkers. Millions of children across our state will now have access to scholarships that can help pay for tutoring, after-school programs and other educational needs.

"Gov. Hochul has kept her promise to New York families, helping put money back into the pockets of hardworking parents while expanding educational opportunities for children across the state."

PRO-TRUMP GROUP LEADS NEW COALITION TO UNDERCUT TEACHERS UNIONS

Hochuls announcement came after the Department of the Treasury and the IRS issued proposed regulations Oct. 1 to implement the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC) program, paving the way for America's first nationwide school choice framework.

The initiative, also referred to as the Education Freedom Tax Credit, allows individual taxpayers to receive up to a $1,700 dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit for donations made to non-profit scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs). However, state governors must formally opt into the program for their residents and local educational organizations to participate and receive the funds.

The IRS recently reported that more than half of U.S. states have already signed up to participate. Burke noted that "competitive pressure" will ultimately force blue states to capture the influx of private donations.

Education Secretary Linda McMahon previously noted that some Democratic leaders have resisted the federal scholarship program simply because "its a Trump measure."

Democratic governors who have traditionally opposed school choice initiatives will face