DFI’s Jim Blew & Lynch’s Katie Everett on Fed. Ed. Tax Credit in Blue States

In this week’s episode of The Learning Curve, co-hosts Prof. Albert Cheng of the University of Arkansas and Center for Strong Public Schools’ Alisha Searcy speak with Jim Blew, founder of the Defense of Freedom Institute, and Katie Everett, executive director of the Lynch Foundation. They explore the newly established federal education tax credit program and its national implications. Blew traces the policy’s origins to proposals from former U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, while unpacking how the program allows taxpayers to receive credits for donations that fund scholarships for private schooling, tutoring, and specialized services. Everett discusses the growing number of states opting in and why Massachusetts remains a key battleground, citing political resistance, state constitutional barriers to private school choice, and the influence of teachers’ unions, while arguing the program could expand access and greater opportunity for all students. They highlight lessons from post-pandemic school choice expansion, the significance of Colorado's Democratic Gov. Jared Polis opting in, and whether the program’s voluntary structure will encourage broader adoption or deepen divides. Katie concludes with a preview of her upcoming event on April 15th at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library on what this federal initiative could mean for families across Massachusetts and the country.