October 2026 Newletter

October 2026 Newsletter

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Federal Scholarship Tax Credit: New Guidance and an Opportunity for New Mexico

The U.S. Treasury Department has issued guidance for the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC), also known as the Education Freedom Tax Credit program. The new guidance clarifies several important details that could make it easier for individuals and families to participate.

Here are two important highlights:

A potential tax credit of up to $3,400 for married couples filing jointly. Since the credit is up to $1,700 per eligible individual taxpayer, married couples filing jointly may be able to claim up to $3,400.
Payroll deductions for scholarship contributions. Employers can establish payroll deduction programs that allow employees to contribute smaller amounts from each paycheck rather than needing to write one large check.

These provisions could help expand participation and bring additional scholarship dollars to students and families.

New York Has Opted In!

After reviewing the federal guidelines, Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul of New York announced that her state would participate in the program. She explained:

"I've been clear from the start that New York would participate in the federal scholarship tax credit program if, and only if, all schools and students, including those in our public schools, could benefit."

She added that the program could bring millions of additional dollars to New York students and families without taking money from public schools or state and local budgets.

New York's decision is an important example of how this program can be presented as an opportunity to benefit students across educational settings—not just those attending non-public schools.

Let's Encourage New Mexico to Opt In!

Because of the strong influence of teacher unions on our governor and many state legislators, it is especially important to communicate that the FSTC program has the potential to benefit students and families across New Mexico, including those in public schools.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham is nearing the end of her term, creating an important opportunity to encourage her to consider the program based on its potential benefits for New Mexico students and families.

Please take two steps to help:

Contact Governor Lujan Grisham yourself if you have not already done so.
Encourage your school families to contact her as well. A brief, respectful email explaining why New Mexico should opt into the FSTC program can help demonstrate broad support.

You can reach the governor through her official contact page.

Thank you for helping spread the word and advocating for opportunities that could benefit students and families throughout New Mexico!

Sincerely,

Bob Ippel
Executive Director
New Mexico Association of Non-Public Schools (NMANS)
nmansinfo@gmail.com
505-870-9621

Limited Professional Development Funds? Let NMANS Partner With You!

NMANS is pleased to offer a free, one-hour virtual workshop on autism in partnership with All Belong. This is an opportunity for your staff to gain practical knowledge and strategies to help students feel understood, supported, and included.

Workshop Details

Topic: Understanding Autism Spectrum Disorder: Strategies for Building Belonging

Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Time: 9:30–10:30 a.m. MDT

Format: Virtual — one hour

Presenter: Katie Kiser, All Belong Teacher Consultant

About the Workshop

As understanding of autism and the wide range of support needs continues to grow, educators are looking for both current research and practical guidance they can use in their classrooms.

This workshop will provide an overview of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and equip educators with strategies for supporting students in inclusive classroom settings.

Participants will leave with:

A stronger understanding of autism spectrum disorder.
Practical strategies for responding to students' diverse learning and support needs.
Ideas for building belonging and creating more inclusive classrooms and school communities.

We encourage you to take advantage of this free opportunity and invite appropriate staff members to participate. Investing in our teachers helps us better serve the students and families entrusted to our care.