Gov Kathy Hochul signs New York onto Trump's school choice program despite teachers union opposition

New York Gov.

Kathy Hochul on Friday signed on to join President Donald Trump’s school choice program despite opposition from teachers unions.

"Every parent wants their child to have a great education and the best possible chance to succeed.

That’s what guides my decisions as Governor," Hochul announced on Friday.

"New York’s public schools are the backbone of communities across this state," she went on to say.

"That’s why I’ve made historic investments in public education, increasing school funding by more than $10 billion and fully funding Foundation Aid for the first time." GOV HOCHUL'S PLAN TO OPT NEW YORK INTO FEDERAL SCHOOL CHOICE PROGRAM DRAWS UNION OPPOSITION Despite Hochul's stated intention to participate, major labor groups and teachers unions remain staunchly opposed.

A coalition of teachers unions and other public school advocates launched a petition demanding that Hochul reject the program.

"Gov.

Hochul plans to opt New York in starting in 2027.

But most New Yorkers haven’t even heard of this program or know how it will affect New York," the petition states .

"Tax dollars would help pay private tuition for families who never used public schools." Sydney Altfield, Scholarships for All Founder and Teach Coalition CEO, told Fox News Digital, "This is a tremendous day for New Yorkers.

Millions of children across our state will now have access to scholarships that can help pay for tutoring, after-school programs and other educational needs." "Governor Hochul has kept her promise to New York families, helping put money back into the pockets of hardworking parents while expanding educational opportunities for children across the state," she added.

PRO-TRUMP GROUP LEADS NEW COALITION TO UNDERCUT TEACHERS UNIONS Hochul’s announcement came after the Department of the Treasury and the IRS issued proposed regulations Oct.

1 to implement the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC) program, paving the way for America's first nationwide school choice framework.