Rep. Torkelson Disappointed Democrats Blocking New Money for Schools

ST. PAUL – A new federal law allows Minnesotans to give money to schools and to receive a full federal tax credit in return without costing state taxpayers anything. All it needs is legislative approval, and State Representative Paul Torkelson (R-Hanska) said House Democrats and Governor Walz are not allowing that to happen.

“Democrats and the teachers union are purposely mischaracterizing this provision as a voucher program,” Torkelson said. “While it is true private schools could utilize the donations, public schools could equally benefit, and we know every school would appreciate a new revenue source.”

Torkelson said a new federal program provides a tax credit of up to $1,700 for individuals who donate to nonprofit scholarship organizations called Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). These nonprofits distribute scholarships that help K–12 students pay for education-related expenses such as tutoring, transportation, or technology.

For taxpayers, the concept is simple. If you donate $1,700, you receive $1,700 back when you file your federal taxes. Donate $50, and you receive a $50 credit. In other words, individuals can help support students and teachers while receiving the full value of their contribution back at tax time.

Torkelson said programs like this would create another avenue to support education without adding costs to Minnesota taxpayers. But legislative Democrats, as well as Governor Walz who could simply opt into the program as Democratic governors have done in other states, are refusing to allow this new revenue source to move forward.

Torkelson noted that two years ago, Governor Walz and a Democrat-led legislature forced dozens of new mandates on local schools. Many of them were unfunded, meaning a large number of districts have been forced to make cuts or ask voters to approve levies and voluntarily raise their property taxes to help them out.

“The reality is that a Minnesotan can still take advantage of the tax break, but they’ll have to send their money to an out-of-state school,” Torkelson said. “This is an opportunity for residents to help their local education system top to bottom. Minnesota donations should benefit Minnesota’s schools. Our students, teachers and communities should not lose out due to Democrat obstinance.”