As Center for Christian Virtue President and Christian Education Network Founder Aaron Baer explained on Fox News, the new federal Education Freedom Tax Credit replicates Ohio’s successful scholarship model on a national scale to give parents more power to decide what school is best for their kids. President Trump’s historic policy allows families to bypass government bureaucracy and fund educational opportunities that align with their values.
A Proven Framework for Educational Freedom
The federal initiative mirrors the structure that made the Ohio Christian Education Network Scholarship Granting Organization successful. Ohio currently allows taxpayers to claim a dollar-for-dollar credit up to $750 per individual or $1,500 for married couples filing jointly. Using the state-level program, OCEN has raised $15 million and served more than 8,700 scholarship recipients across Ohio.
The federal program takes this blueprint nationwide. Beginning January 1, 2027, eligible taxpayers can contribute up to $1,700 annually to a qualified SGO. Married couples filing jointly can claim a combined credit of up to $3,400. As detailed by Brown & Streza's legal analysis of the new Treasury regulations, this mechanism is not a standard charitable deduction. It’s a full dollar-for-dollar credit that reduces what is owed in federal income tax.
Redirecting Tax Dollars
Taxpayers are no longer forced to watch Uncle Sam spend their money on failing public systems. Instead, they can redirect a portion of their tax liability to help children seeking a private Christian education. By adopting Ohio’s blueprint, the federal government is making school choice a reality for millions. Christian schools can prepare now by registering with CEN SGO. Visit CENSGO.org to learn how you can participate and direct your tax dollars toward faith-based education when the program goes live in January.
About CCV
As Ohio's largest Christian public policy organization, Center for Christian Virtue seeks the good of our neighbors by advocating for public policy that reflects the truth of the Gospel.
About CEN
Launched in 2025, Christian Education Network brings together Evangelical and Catholic schools to advocate at statehouses for the protection and expansion of Christian education. Based on the successful model of the Ohio Christian Education Network, CEN partners with state advocacy leaders to give Christian school leaders a voice in the public policy debates of the day. CEN also partners with local church leaders to launch new Christian schools in churches.
