EdNews Virginia | August 5, 2026
Former Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the launch of a new organization focused on education, Empowering America’s Parents.
The launch marks Youngkin’s first major initiative since his term as governor ended. The group’s main objective is driving awareness of the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit, a new scholarship initiative designed to facilitate K–12 options for families nationwide.
Urging Governors to Embrace a New Program
While Virginia signed on early to the federal tax credit framework during Youngkin’s administration, 20 states have yet to embrace the program ahead of its official roll-out in January 2027.
The newly-formed Empowering America’s Parents is now rolling out a massive awareness campaign, focused on high-population states whose leadership has hesitated to participate — including Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.
On social media, Youngkin shared a message for all state executives: “Every Governor in America should opt-in to the Education Freedom Tax Credit!”
Foreshadowing at the Reagan Forum
The launch of the organization follows Youngkin’s comments at the Reagan Civility & Democracy Forum on July 29. At the event, Youngkin voiced frustration over partisan lines drawn around federal school choice initiatives.
Youngkin stressed how the new federal program “enables universal school choice” but has encountered roadblocks in some regions. He lamented that so far “only one Democrat governor” has embraced the program.
Arguing that school choice should transcend ideological divisions, Youngkin said the federal tax credit program is fundamentally good because “it’s good for students.”
How the Education Freedom Tax Credit Works
The federal program allows taxpayers to donate to “Scholarship Granting Organizations” and receive a tax credit of up to $1,700 per year. The resulting funds can be used by families for a range of educational needs, including:
- Tuition for K–12 education
- Academic tutoring and learning materials
- Instructional support and therapies for students with disabilities
- Transportation for students
Since households with income up to three times their local area’s median qualify, supporters estimate the scholarship funds could benefit up to 90% of families nationwide if their state leaders opt in.
Debates Ahead for State Lawmakers
The group’s launch highlights ongoing national friction between advocates of educational pluralism and those who favor traditional, district-run schools. While advocates frame the scholarship tax credit as direct relief for families, teachers’ unions contend that voucher-style initiatives undermine systemic public school funding.
As state legislators look ahead to 2027, Youngkin’s new initiative signals that education reform will remain a focus of debate nationwide.