Governor Stitt calls to extend the cap on Parental Choice Tax Credit

Yahoo

13-03-2025

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Despite numbers showing that most of the money in the Parental Choice Tax Credit program went to rich families, Governor Kevin Stitt called to extend the cap on it on Wednesday.
'So it is time to raise the cap, right? 100%. And the other thing is, I've been telling the legislature, we've got to make sure that we, if you've already got the credit and you're going to a school, we can't take that away,' said the governor at a Wednesday rally.
The rally was held outside of the State Capitol in support of the Parental Choice Tax Credit program.
In attendance were parents, students, administrators, and more who were there to thank the legislature.
The Tulsa World first reported on the findings that around 75% of the recipients of the program had a median income of over $75,000.
The median overall income for Oklahoma households is just over $65,000.
Originally, the program was promised as a way to give families who couldn't normally afford private schools a chance.
Data reveals Oklahoma school choice program sending significant share of funds to wealthiest families
The Tax Commission came out with numbers that showed Oklahoma paid out $91.7 million to families taking part in the Parental Choice Tax Credit system.
That money was divided among families based on their income.
A $27.1 million portion, about 30%, went to families making below $75,000 a year. A nearly equal amount, $26.3 million, went to families making between $75,000 and $150,000. Another $15.7 million, or 17%, went to families making between $150,000 and $225,000.
'Those who say the richest families got the most credits, that's simply not true,' said Gov. Stitt.
At his weekly presser conference, the governor was asked about the Tax Commission's numbers, but he seemed not to believe it.
And the Tulsa World was the first to report on the $5 million trying to be clawed back from families who either didn't stay at the private school or weren't supposed to have the money.
'I don't think it's fair to the students and I don't think it's fair to the parents,' said Senator Carri Hicks (D-OKC).
Parental Choice Tax Credit used to pay off debts before tuition
Senator Hicks says she has long been against the voucher program. The one in Oklahoma, she says, is filled with issues and has barely any oversight.
She said that, especially now that Oklahoma Education is one of the lowest ranking in the nation, there is still a massive teacher shortage, among other issues.
'That money is needed in public education,' said Senator Hicks.
She has complained that there is little oversight on the program.
There is a bill in the House and Senate that attempts to put some requirements on the program but she said more is definitely needed.
'And the numbers are not great. Truly, when you're breaking it down as to how the state is entrusting this program to invest those dollars, it's very clear that we do not have enough oversight or accountability for the program,' said Senator Hicks.
Several spoke at Wednesday's rally in support and said that it did help them and their children afford the education they wanted.
Senator Hicks said many families can barely afford food on the table at night, let alone some sort of private school education. She said more money is needed in public education.
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