Stand up for learning opportunity

Colorado lawmakers are considering HB26-1292, a bill that would significantly restrict whether private and faith-based schools can participate in the new Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program.

At first glance, this issue may sound technical. It is not.

If passed, this bill would likely prevent the vast majority of Colorado’s faith-based private schools from participating in the program—not because of federal requirements, but because the bill imposes additional state mandates that go far beyond what federal law requires.

HB26-1292 would:

• Impose nondiscrimination provisions that conflict with the sincerely held beliefs of many faith-based schools

• Require special education service obligations that are financially unrealistic for most private schools

• Force schools to choose between their constitutional rights and participation in the scholarship program

In practice, this means many faith-based schools would be effectively excluded from participating.

The Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program was designed to expand educational opportunity for students and families. Policies that prevent schools from participating would limit those opportunities.

Share Your Voice

Lawmakers need to hear from families, educators, and community members about why faith-based schools should be allowed to participate in the Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program without additional state mandates.

Use the form to share your message with Colorado policymakers.