Michigan
FSTC status in Michigan
Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) is undecided and is term-limited in January 2027. U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon publicly urged Michigan to opt in (March 27, 2026). Whitmer said she needs more information before deciding and has previously vetoed similar state-level tax credit scholarship efforts. The 2026 gubernatorial race is the critical inflection point.
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 Michigan
On May 12, 2026, the Michigan State Board of Education voted 6 to 2 to urge Governor Gretchen Whitmer not to opt Michigan into the federal scholarship tax credit. Whitmer has said she needs more information before deciding, while House Speaker Matt Hall has urged her to join. Michigan remains undecided as the January 2027 launch approaches. May 12, 2026 · Chalkbeat Detroit Read Full Article
Help Michigan opt in to the FSTC.
Michigan
No decision yetGovernor Gretchen Whitmer (D) is undecided and is term-limited in January 2027. U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon publicly urged Michigan to opt in (March 27, 2026). Whitmer said she needs more information before deciding and has previously vetoed similar state-level tax credit scholarship efforts. The 2026 gubernatorial race is the critical inflection point.
Governor
Gretchen Whitmer (D)
State Context
Existing Programs
- Charter Schools (Extensive Sector)
State-Specific Context
Michigan enrolls approximately 110,000 students in about 700 private schools, with major concentrations in metro Detroit, Grand Rapids, and the Holland-Kalamazoo corridor. Michigan's constitution contains one of the strongest prohibitions on public funding for private schools in the nation (Article 8, Section 2), which was reinforced by the defeat of Proposal 1 (a voucher ballot initiative) in 2000 with 69% voting against. The state has no voucher, tax credit scholarship, or ESA program. Michigan does have a very large charter school sector, with more than 300 schools, many of them in Detroit.
Advocacy Angle
Michigan's constitutional amendment blocking state-funded vouchers makes the FSTC especially significant. Because FSTC operates through federal tax credits, it is not subject to the state constitutional provision that has prevented all private school funding programs for over two decades.
Recent News
On May 12, 2026, the Michigan State Board of Education voted 6 to 2 to urge Governor Gretchen Whitmer not to opt Michigan into the federal scholarship tax credit. Whitmer has said she needs more information before deciding, while House Speaker Matt Hall has urged her to join. Michigan remains undecided as the January 2027 launch approaches.
Last verified: 2026-07-30
