Oregon
FSTC status in Oregon
Governor Tina Kotek (D) announced on June 12, 2026 that Oregon will not participate in the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit. After reviewing the U.S. Treasury's preview of the program regulations, Kotek said the guidance indicates states like Oregon would not have the flexibility they need to participate in alignment with their values. Oregon joins other Democratic-led states in rejecting the program, after Minnesota declined and Wisconsin's governor vetoed its bill. Governor has declined to participate Oregon's governor has declined to participate in the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit at this time. This decision can change with new leadership or sustained advocacy, so your voice still matters. Build My Advocacy Kit
What you can do now
1. Contact your governor
The governor must file IRS Form 15714 to opt in. Use our advocacy kit to send a personalized letter.
2. Rally your legislators
State legislators can pressure the governor to act. Build an advocacy kit with letters to your senators and representatives.
3. Organize your community
Recruit other school leaders, parents, and community members, and attend education committee hearings.
4. Prepare your school
Identify eligible families, prepare documentation, and understand SGO requirements so you are ready when your state opts in.
The latest from Oregon
On June 12, 2026, Governor Tina Kotek said Oregon would not participate in the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit after reviewing the U.S. Treasury's preview of program regulations, saying it indicates states like Oregon would not have the flexibility they need to participate in alignment with their values. Kotek is the third Democratic governor to decline, after Tim Walz of Minnesota and Tony Evers of Wisconsin. June 12, 2026 · Ballotpedia News Read Full Article
Help Oregon opt in to the FSTC.
Oregon
DeclinedGovernor Tina Kotek (D) announced on June 12, 2026 that Oregon will not participate in the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit. After reviewing the U.S. Treasury's preview of the program regulations, Kotek said the guidance indicates states like Oregon would not have the flexibility they need to participate in alignment with their values. Oregon joins other Democratic-led states in rejecting the program, after Minnesota declined and Wisconsin's governor vetoed its bill.
Governor
Tina Kotek (D)
State Context
Existing Programs
- Charter Schools
- Open Enrollment
State-Specific Context
Oregon enrolls approximately 40,000 students in about 350 private schools, with concentrations in the Portland metro area, Salem, and Eugene. The state has no voucher, ESA, or tax credit scholarship program. Oregon's education policy has focused heavily on public school investment and equity initiatives, and school choice proposals have not gained legislative traction. A 2007 tuition tax credit bill was the most recent serious legislative attempt. Oregon does have open enrollment and a moderate charter school sector, but the state's political environment has been resistant to directing any form of public funding toward private schools.
Advocacy Angle
Oregon has no pathway for private school scholarship funding at the state level. The FSTC provides the first realistic mechanism for charitable scholarship support, operating through federal credits that do not require state legislative approval beyond the governor's opt-in.
Recent News
On June 12, 2026, Governor Tina Kotek said Oregon would not participate in the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit after reviewing the U.S. Treasury's preview of program regulations, saying it indicates states like Oregon would not have the flexibility they need to participate in alignment with their values. Kotek is the third Democratic governor to decline, after Tim Walz of Minnesota and Tony Evers of Wisconsin.
Last verified: 2026-07-30
