Senate Minority Leader Anthony Bucco and Assembly Minority Leader John DiMaio are urging Gov. Mikie Sherrill to opt New Jersey into a federal school scholarship program created by President Donald Trump’s signature tax and spending law — legislation Sherrill strongly opposed while serving in Congress.
The program was included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which Republican-controlled Congress passed and Trump signed on July 4, 2025. Sherrill voted against the legislation and denounced it at the time as a “cruel” bill that would cut health care and food assistance while benefiting wealthy Americans.
Now, New Jersey’s top Republican legislative leaders want Sherrill to use one provision of the law.
“Every New Jersey family deserves the opportunity to pursue the educational path that best meets the needs of their children,” Bucco and DiMaio said in a letter to the governor.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, taxpayers may claim a federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for qualifying contributions to Scholarship Granting Organizations. States must elect to participate and identify eligible organizations.
Those organizations can provide scholarships for expenses including tuition, fees, books, tutoring, special-needs services, transportation, and computer technology.
“New Jersey should act now to ensure that our families are not excluded from this opportunity,” Bucco and DiMaio wrote.
The Republicans said participation would provide tax relief while expanding educational options for New Jersey families.
“Greater access to educational choices can empower parents, give families more flexibility, and provide additional pathways to student success,” they said.
Bucco and DiMaio asked Sherrill to have New Jersey participate when the program launches in 2027.