July 17, 2026

Michelle Parsons, MD

38th District & Southern Delaware Republicans

The Caesar Rodney Institute has published a timely new article by Nancy Mercante highlighting an extraordinary opportunity for Delaware students—and one that requires action from Governor Matt Meyer to make it happen.

The new Federal Education Tax Credit Program could bring approximately $40 million each year to Delaware students through privately funded scholarships. What makes this opportunity so exciting is that it doesn't raise anyone's taxes or cost Delaware taxpayers anything extra.

Instead, eligible taxpayers can choose to direct up to $1,700 of their existing federal tax liability to support scholarships for Delaware students. You do not have to have children or grandchildren in school to participate. Any eligible taxpayer can decide that a portion of their federal tax dollars should stay in Delaware and help educate Delaware students.

Without this program, those tax dollars simply become part of the federal government's general fund. But if Governor Meyer opts Delaware into the program, taxpayers will have the opportunity to keep those education dollars working right here at home.

Even better, most Delaware families with students would qualify to receive scholarships under the program.

If Delaware chooses not to participate, however, Delaware taxpayers lose that choice. Those federal tax dollars can instead be directed to scholarship programs in other states, while Delaware students miss out on an estimated $40 million each year in educational opportunities.

Here's why this opportunity is so remarkable:

• It does not raise taxes.

• It does not cost Delaware taxpayers anything extra.

• Eligible taxpayers can direct up to $1,700 of their existing federal tax liability to support Delaware students.

• Most Delaware families with students would qualify for the scholarships.

• If Delaware does not opt into the program, those federal tax dollars can instead support students in other states!

  
  

Even Colorado's Democratic Governor, Jared Polis, called opting into the program "a no-brainer," noting that if Colorado failed to participate, its taxpayers' dollars would simply flow to scholarship programs in other states.

Governor Meyer now has the same opportunity.

The question is simple: Should Delaware taxpayers be able to keep their education dollars in Delaware, or should those dollars help students somewhere else?

We believe the answer is clear.

📖 Read Nancy Mercante's full CRI article: A $40 Million Opportunity for Delaware Students – But Only If Governor Meyer Acts

🎧 Prefer to listen? Check out CRI podcast summarizing the article: A $40 Million Opportunity for Delaware Students – But Only If Governor Meyer Acts

Take Action

If you agree Delaware should not leave this opportunity on the table, please respectfully contact Governor Matt Meyer and encourage him to opt Delaware into the Federal Education Tax Credit Program. Keep Delaware's education dollars in Delaware!

SAMPLE EMAIL

Dear Governor Meyer,

I respectfully urge you to opt Delaware into the new Federal Education Tax Credit Program.

This program could bring approximately $40 million each year to Delaware students without raising taxes or costing Delaware taxpayers anything extra. It gives taxpayers the opportunity to keep more of their federal education dollars working here in Delaware instead of benefiting other states.

Please seize this opportunity for Delaware students and families. Keep Delaware's education dollars in Delaware!

Let us know what you think, email us here at info@38thdrcp.com.