Kentucky Senate Leader Pushes Back on Veto

Kentucky Senate President Pro Tempore David Givens is responding to Governor Andy Beshear’s veto of House Bill 1, legislation that would allow the state to participate in a federal education tax credit program designed to support scholarships and other educational resources for students.

In a statement released March 13, Givens argued that the proposal would enable charitable donations tied to a federal tax credit to benefit Kentucky students rather than programs in other states.

What the Legislation Proposes

House Bill 1, sponsored by Kentucky state Representatives Kim Moser and TJ Roberts, would allow Kentucky to opt into a federal program that offers tax credits for charitable donations directed toward educational support.

According to Givens, the legislation does not involve state spending or redirect existing education funding. In his statement, he emphasized that the bill “does not spend a single dollar of Kentucky tax revenue, does not reduce SEEK funding and does not divert state education dollars.”

Instead, the proposal would allow charitable contributions supported by federal tax credits to fund scholarships and other educational resources for students in Kentucky.

Keeping Federal Education Resources in the State

Givens said one of the central goals of the legislation is ensuring that federal tax credits claimed by Kentucky taxpayers benefit students within the state.

“If Kentucky refuses to opt in, our taxpayers can still claim the credit, but their donations will flow across state lines to support education elsewhere,” Givens said. “HB 1 prevents that and keeps those opportunities here at home.”

He noted that the funds could support a range of educational needs for students across different learning environments, including public schools, private schools, and homeschool settings.

According to the statement, eligible uses could include tutoring, technology, books, and services for students with special needs.

Bipartisan Support in the Legislature

Givens said the bill passed the Kentucky General Assembly with bipartisan support. Lawmakers supporting the measure viewed the issue as whether federal education tax credits claimed by Kentucky families should be directed toward students within the state or benefit programs elsewhere.

During Senate floor debate, Givens described the program as allowing taxpayers to redirect a portion of their federal income tax obligation toward educational support. In his statement, he said the provision would apply to the first $1,700 of federal income tax owed by each taxpayer.

If Kentucky ultimately participates in the program, Givens said Kentuckians could begin contributing to scholarship-granting organizations once the program begins in 2027.

Public School Funding Remains a Priority

Givens also addressed concerns about the potential impact on public education funding.

He said the General Assembly has increased K-12 education funding in recent years and plans to continue investing in public schools. According to Givens, total education funding in Kentucky — including investments in public educator pensions — has grown to record levels.

“The General Assembly’s commitment to Kentucky’s public schools is clear and well documented,” he said.

Givens maintained that the proposal is intended to expand educational resources rather than reduce support for public education.

Legislature Expected to Revisit the Issue

Despite the governor’s veto, Givens indicated the debate over the legislation is likely to continue.

In his statement, he suggested lawmakers will review the governor’s decision and could move to override the veto as the legislative process continues.