Auringer Praises State Decision to Expand Educational Choice

KINGSTON, NY, May 11, 2026 — Congressional candidate Jackie Auringer (R-C), today praised New York State's decision to opt into the new federal education scholarship tax credit program, Education Freedom Tax Credit, calling it "a practical step toward giving families more tools to prepare children for a rapidly changing economy shaped by artificial intelligence and technological disruption."

Passed as part of last year's federal tax package, the program creates a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit for individuals who contribute to K-12 scholarship organizations, with credits of up to $1,700 per donor. The scholarships can help families access tutoring, specialized educational programs, enrichment opportunities, homeschooling support, and other learning options designed to meet students' individual needs. Estimates suggest as much as $5 billion could ultimately be made available to New York families through the program.

Congressman Pat Ryan voted against the legislation that created the program.

"Parents know the world is changing faster than our education system," said Auringer. "Artificial intelligence is already reshaping the economy and threatening entire categories of entry-level white-collar jobs. Families are looking for flexibility, innovation, tutoring support, specialized learning environments, and opportunities that fit the needs of their children — not a one-size-fits-all system designed for another era."

Auringer said the decision reflects growing recognition that students will need new skills and more adaptive learning models to compete in the emerging economy.

"The next generation is going to compete in an economy transformed by AI, automation, and technological disruption," Auringer said. "We should be empowering parents and students with more options, not fewer."

Auringer also drew a sharp contrast with Congressman Ryan's vote against the federal reconciliation package that established the scholarship program.

"Washington's political class — including politicians like Pat Ryan — often enjoys education choices unavailable to working families back home," Auringer said. "D.C. families can access charter schools, specialized public options, and federally backed scholarship programs. Yet many politicians who live there oppose expanding similar flexibility for families elsewhere."

"Pat Ryan voted against the very program New York State is now making available to families," Auringer continued. "At a time when parents are worried about affordability, educational quality, mental health, and preparing their children for the AI economy, we should be expanding opportunity, not standing in the way of it because of partisan politics."

Auringer said supporting educational choice and strengthening public education are not mutually exclusive.

"We should absolutely support strong public schools," she said. "But supporting public education should also mean supporting families, innovation, and giving parents more tools to help their children succeed in a changing world."