Malliotakis, NY Lawmakers Urge Governor Hochul to Opt In to Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program
Editor’s note: Staten Island’s representative recently announced the opening of the application period for her office’s Presidents Day Essay contest. We also previously reported on Senator Lanza’s scholarship opportunity sponsored by the Council of Italian American State Legislators.
Council Member Wong also joins Rep. Malliotakis in support of this issue. He, along with many other members of the City Council, are also urging Governor Hochul to opt New York State into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program:
Council Member Phil Wong (D-Queens), joined by a coalition of New York City Council Members, is urging Governor Kathy Hochul to opt New York State into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC) program, a move they say would expand educational access for families across the five boroughs at no cost to the state.
In a letter sent today, the members highlighted the urgency of the opportunity, writing:
“At a time when costs continue to rise, we should be taking every step possible to support students and expand access to quality education.”
(WASHINGTON, DC) — House Ways & Means members, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) and Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) were joined by New York’s other Republican Representatives, Mike Lawler (NY-17), Nicholas Langworthy (NY-23), Nick LaLota (NY-01), and Elise Stefanik (NY-21), in calling on Governor Kathy Hochul to opt New York State into a new federal scholarship tax credit program designed to expand school choice and educational opportunities for low- and middle-income families.
The lawmakers highlighted that the program, established under H.R. 1, allows individuals to receive a federal tax credit for contributions supporting scholarships for eligible students including those who attend private and parochial schools. They noted that New York’s participation could unlock millions of dollars in privately funded educational opportunities without diverting state resources from public schools. As part of this new program, states must opt-in, and 28 governors have already either opted-in or announced their intention to do so.
Banner Image: Military and student event. Image Credit – Rep. Malliotakis
Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis
Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis was sworn in on January 3, 2021 to represent Staten Island and Southern Brooklyn. Prior to serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis was elected to the New York State Assembly on November 2, 2010, defeating a two-term incumbent. In the Assembly, she served as Minority Whip and the ranking minority member of the Assembly Committee on Governmental Employees. For five terms, Congresswoman Malliotakis fought to restore ethics in Albany, expand transit service in her district, improve programs for senior citizens, reform education and improve New York’s economic climate by reducing the tax burden on small businesses and residents. A cornerstone of her tenure was helping her community recover and rebuild following the devastation of Hurricane Sandy in 2012. In addition to advocating for these same issues in Washington, Congresswoman Malliotakis is acutely focused on securing New York’s fair share of federal mass transit funding, which would go towards expanding transportation services and easing traffic congestion, while also championing public safety by supporting our nation’s law enforcement officers. Congresswoman Malliotakis is the daughter of immigrants, her father from Greece and her mother a Cuban exile of the Castro dictatorship. She is currently the only Republican member representing New York City in Congress, representing a district spanning the boroughs of Brooklyn and Staten Island. She is a passionate advocate for animal rights and the strengthening of animal cruelty laws, and in her spare time, enjoys spending time with her chihuahua, Peanut.