Michigan's Poor Reading Scores Prompt Republican Lawmakers to Push Federal Scholarship Program Amid Concerns Over West Michigan Public Schools

Michigan's Poor Reading Scores Prompt Republican Lawmakers to Push Federal Scholarship Program Amid Concerns Over West Michigan Public Schools

By West Michigan State News | Published: April 2, 2026

Republican state lawmakers are pushing Michigan to join a new federal scholarship program as part of their effort to address the state's poor fourth-grade reading scores. But the program faces sharp criticism from education advocates who say it threatens West Michigan public schools.

Michigan currently ranks 44th in the nation on fourth-grade reading assessments, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress. That ranking puts the state near the bottom compared to peers across the country.

The Federal Program

The Education Freedom Tax Credit is a federal program approved by Congress last year that allows donors to contribute to scholarship-granting organizations and receive up to $1,700 in tax credits. The scholarship organizations then determine how much money individual students can receive based on their mission.

There is no cap on how much scholarship money a student can receive, according to a federal fact sheet from the Treasury and Education departments. The program becomes available starting in 2027.

U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon has been a vocal advocate for the program, visiting charter schools in Metro Detroit and speaking at Republican events across Michigan. During her visit to Hamtramck Academy, McMahon called on Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to opt the state into the program.

"The Education Freedom Tax Credit isn't some distant idea, it's a homegrown solution that puts Michigan families in charge," McMahon said at Hamtramck Academy.

Republican Support

Republican lawmakers have embraced the program as a tool to improve student achievement. Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall, a Republican from Richland Township, said he is working with Whitmer on efforts to improve literacy.

"If they're in a failing school, this could be the lifeline for their family with these scholarships to go into another school that will help unlock their potential," Hall said.

Republican state Rep. Tim Kelly, from Saginaw, added that the only reason to not opt into the program would be "spite."

Other Republican lawmakers who attended McMahon's event included Reps. Matt Maddock of Milford, Alicia St. Germaine of Harrison Township, Joseph Pavlov of Kimball, and Mike Harris of Clarkston.

Democratic Opposition

The program faces strong opposition from Democrats and public school advocates. The Michigan Constitution prohibits using public funds for private school attendance, which critics say the program effectively circumvents.

Katherine Nitz, media relations coordinator for the Michigan Education Justice Coalition, told Bridge Michigan that the program would "weaken public schools" and "sets the stage for privatization."

"This would wind up gutting public school funding, which is already tenuous in Michigan," Nitz said.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenn Maleyko did not directly answer whether he wants the state to opt into the program. "My priority is adequate and equitable funding for public schools in Michigan," Maleyko said in a statement to Bridge Michigan. "I believe federal resources should be devoted to those priorities."

State of Michigan Schools

Michigan has long struggled with reading scores compared to other states. A 2024 law will require districts to ensure teachers have been trained in the science of reading by the 2027-28 school year.

Republican state Rep. Ralph Rebandt and Democrat Jocelyn Benson, Secretary of State, both specifically mentioned LETRS, which would become mandatory under a bipartisan bill currently moving in the Legislature.

Some Republican candidates for governor have called for restoring a third-grade reading retention law that Democrats repealed in 2023. The 2016 law had required districts to hold back third-grade students who struggled to read, but the pandemic and wide use of exemptions meant few students had been held back.

What's at Stake for West Michigan

If Michigan opts into the federal program, it would join 27 other states that have done so. Currently, the program has generated significant support from Republican governors across the country. Only two Democratic governors — in Colorado and North Carolina — have said their states will likely join.

The program has income restrictions. "Students eligible to enroll in a public elementary or secondary school and from a household with income not greater than 300% of the area's median gross income qualify for a scholarship through the Education Freedom Tax Credit," the federal fact sheet says.

In West Michigan, this means families in Kent County, Kalamazoo County, and other regions could potentially access the program if the state opts in. However, critics worry that the money could divert resources away from struggling public schools in communities across Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, and other West Michigan cities.

The program has income restrictions. "Students eligible to enroll in a public elementary or secondary school and from a household with income not greater than 300% of the area's median gross income qualify for a scholarship through the Education Freedom Tax Credit," the federal fact sheet says.

Whitmer's Position

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has previously said the program is a "high-level talking point" and that she needs more information before making a decision. A Whitmer spokesperson said Friday she had nothing to add from Whitmer's previous comments about the program.

Democratic candidates for governor have focused on supporting public schools before privately-run alternatives. They argue that Michigan should address its reading problems through increased investment in public education rather than expanding school choice.

The Bottom Line

The debate over the federal scholarship program highlights a fundamental disagreement about how to address Michigan's education challenges. Republicans see the program as a way to give families more choice and competition among schools. Democrats and public school advocates worry it will undermine public education funding.

For West Michigan families, the decision could have significant implications for their children's schools. If the state opts in, families from lower-income households could access scholarship money. If it doesn't, that money will go to students in other states.

Whitmer has until 2027 to make her decision. In the meantime, the federal program will continue to be available to states that opt in.