House Bill 1 would give Kentucky families more tools, not take away from schools | Opinion

I read Governor Andy Beshear’s recent opinion piece with great interest. As a proud Kentuckian who truly values our public schools. I beg to differ with the Governor.

Like many parents, I believe every child deserves a strong start in life. However, I believe the governor’s description of House Bill 1 paints an incomplete and, in many ways, misleading picture of what this legislation actually does. It deserves a clear eyed nonpolitical look, free of the heated labels that can confuse families who want better options for their children.

House Bill 1 is not a charter school bill. It has nothing to do with the constitutional amendment voters considered in 2024. That vote was about whether state tax dollars could support new types of schools. HB1 is entirely different and unrelated.

It does not use one single nickel of local or state tax revenue. Instead, it simply opts our state into a federal tax-credit program. Where is our federal tax dollars better distributed, in Washington or here at home? Individual taxpayers can receive up to a $1,700 federal tax credit when they donate to a certified Scholarship Granting Organization. Those organizations then award grants to help families cover education costs. Why is this a problem?

This program is open to every K-12 student in Kentucky, whether they attend a public school, a private school, or learn at home. Public school students can use the grants for tutoring, books, technology, or other learning needs that help them do better in their current classrooms. Far from hurting public schools, HB1 actually gives them new ways to support their own students without taking anything from the school budget.

The governor’s piece suggests this is about “diverting taxpayer dollars” away from public schools in our local communities. In reality, no Kentucky tax money moves anywhere. It is private donations encouraged by a federal incentive. That’s a meaningful distinction that families (rural, suburban, and urban) deserve to know.

I know one person who will proudly send the full $1,700 to a Scholarship Granting Organization: me. I’m also committed to rolling up my sleeves and working with one of these organizations to become certified. My goal is simple to help any school district that wants to participate, so more kids can get the extra support they need, right where they already are. Every person’s political hat should be left on the hat rack on this issue.

Kentucky families are hardworking and practical. We want our children to have every opportunity to succeed, whether that means strengthening the public school down the street or giving a struggling student a little extra help outside the classroom. HB1 is one more tool in the toolbox. Nothing more, nothing less.

Let’s keep the conversation focused on what actually helps our kids. More resources, more flexibility, and more hope for every Kentucky family. I am a proud Kentucky resident, proud husband, proud dad to two daughters and nine grandchildren. They are all residents of Lewis County and all graduates of, teaching in or current students in, the Lewis County public school district.

Sam Howard is a lifelong resident of Vanceburg, Kentucky and has nine grandchildren in the Lewis County school district. He is founder and CEO of Trace Creek Construction, Inc.