Healey says she wants affordability. Here’s a test.

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, October 28, 2026

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has yet to decide whether to join the federal Scholarship Tax Credit program, which provides tax incentives to donors funding scholarships for a wide range of K-12 educational expenses. This choice is critical because opting in could generate hundreds of millions in local scholarships, supporting families across income levels and potentially impacting the state’s educational affordability amid rising living costs.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has not yet indicated whether she will opt the state into the federal Scholarship Tax Credit (STC) program, a decision drawing attention amid discussions on affordability in education. The program, whose federal guidelines were recently released, offers tax credits to donors who contribute to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). These nonprofits then provide scholarships to K-12 students for a variety of educational expenses, including after-school care, tutoring, technology, special needs services, and private school tuition.

Governors nationwide must decide whether to participate to allow their residents access to the funds. If Massachusetts opts in, families with children earning up to 300 percent of the area median income—for example, about $514,000 for a four-person household in the Boston area—would be eligible. Additionally, children in foster care or receiving public benefits qualify automatically. The program applies to both public and private school students, a provision that has sparked debate. Critics express concern that scholarship funds used for private school tuition could reduce public school resources, while supporters argue that excluding families who might use private schools could limit critical support for nearly one million children in the state.

The tax credit reimburses donors up to $1,700 for individuals and $3,400 for married couples. According to the American Federation for Children, if 10 percent of qualified donors participate, Massachusetts could generate approximately $638 million for scholarships, with potential to reach $1.3 billion if participation doubles. Local nonprofits, including clubs and organizations providing after-school programs, have advocated for the state’s inclusion in the program. Robert Lewis Jr., president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, noted that many club members attend public schools and that the scholarships could enhance access to safe, supportive environments and resources such as computers—expenses increasingly vital amid rising technology costs linked to advances in artificial intelligence.

Healey’s Republican opponent, Mike Minogue, has pledged to opt into the program if elected, promising to encourage widespread taxpayer donations. He described the initiative as a bipartisan opportunity benefiting children without political interference.

Healey’s office has stated it is reviewing the new federal regulations but has not confirmed a decision. Education policy experts have pointed to Democratic governors in Colorado and New York, Jared Polis and Kathy Hochul respectively, who have opted into the program, viewing it as advantageous for students in their states. Advocates warn that if Massachusetts declines, residents’ contributions could flow to SGOs in other states, potentially diverting significant funding away from Massachusetts children.

The decision holds important implications for education affordability in Massachusetts, particularly as families face rising housing and energy costs. Participation in the scholarship tax credit program offers a pathway to supplement educational resources for many households, a consideration that some argue aligns with Democratic calls for increased affordability.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.