Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-10**Lead**
Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation on Thursday that formally enrolls New York in the federal school choice program originally advanced by former President Donald Trump, a move that immediately drew sharp condemnation from the state’s largest teachers unions. The new law allows parents to use public funds—channeled through education savings accounts—to pay for private school tuition, homeschooling expenses, and other alternative educational services. The signing ceremony took place at the State Capitol in Albany, with Hochul flanked by a bipartisan group of lawmakers and education reform advocates.
**Contexto**
The school choice initiative, often referred to as the “Trump Education Freedom Program,” was first proposed during the Trump administration as a way to expand parental options beyond traditional public schools. Although the program was never fully implemented at the federal level, several Republican-led states adopted versions of it after Trump left office. New York, a deep-blue state with one of the most unionized public education systems in the country, had long resisted such measures. Hochul, a Democrat, had previously expressed skepticism about school choice, but her decision to sign the bill marks a significant shift.
The legislation passed the State Assembly and Senate by narrow margins after weeks of intense lobbying. Supporters argued that the program would empower low-income families trapped in underperforming districts, while opponents warned it would drain resources from public schools and undermine collective bargaining agreements. The New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) and the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) launched a coordinated campaign against the bill, running television ads and organizing rallies at the Capitol. Despite their efforts, the bill gained enough cross-party support to reach the governor’s desk.
Hochul’s office released a statement emphasizing that the program includes accountability measures, such as mandatory standardized testing for participating students and financial audits of participating private schools. The governor also noted that the program is initially limited to families earning below 300% of the federal poverty line, with a cap on total enrollment to mitigate the fiscal impact on public schools.
**Análise**
The decision carries profound political implications for Hochul, who faces a competitive primary challenge from the left in 2026. By aligning with a policy closely associated with Trump, she risks alienating the progressive base that has traditionally supported teachers unions. However, the move could appeal to suburban swing voters and minority communities that have shown growing interest in school choice. Polling conducted earlier this year indicated that a majority of New York voters support the concept of school choice, though opinions remain sharply divided along party lines.
Nationally, New York’s entry into the program adds momentum to the school choice movement, which has gained traction in states like Florida, Arizona, and Iowa. Advocates see it as a model for breaking what they call the “public school monopoly,” while critics view it as a step toward privatizing education. The Biden administration has not taken a formal position on state-level school choice programs, but the Department of Education has signaled concerns about potential civil rights violations if funds are used by schools that discriminate on the basis of religion or sexual orientation.
The teachers unions have vowed to challenge the law in court, arguing that it violates the state constitution’s guarantee of a “sound basic education” for all children. Legal experts expect a protracted battle, with the outcome likely to hinge on whether the program is deemed to divert public funds from the public school system. Similar lawsuits in other states have produced mixed results, with some courts upholding the programs and others striking them down.
**Fontes**
This article is based on the official press release from the Office of the Governor of New York, statements issued by NYSUT and UFT, legislative records from the New York State Assembly and Senate, and public reports from education policy organizations such as the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools and the American Federation for Children. Additional context was drawn from archived coverage by The New York Times and The Albany Times Union.