Kentucky GOP Overrides Beshear Veto, Unlocks Federal School Choice Funds

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Republican-dominated Kentucky General Assembly on March 17 overrode Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear's veto of House Bill 1, sponsored by Rep. Kim Moser (R-Taylor Mill), with decisive votes of 77-14 in the House on March 16 and 31-5 in the Senate the following day. No Democrats supported the override, while Republicans stood united.[1][2][4] The legislation mandates that Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams annually opt the state into the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit program, established under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of July 4, 2025.[3][4] The program offers donors a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit up to $1,700 for contributions to scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs) like ACE Scholarships, which then fund K-12 students' private school tuition, homeschooling, textbooks, tutoring, and internet access.[1][2][3] Eligible families must have household incomes below 300% of the area's median income, potentially aiding thousands across Louisville, Lexington and rural counties where public school options vary widely.[3] Supporters, including Sen. David Givens (R), emphasize no state tax dollars are used, framing it as expanded choice for all Kentucky students, public or private.[4] Beshear vetoed the bill on March 13, calling it a 'backdoor school voucher' that diverts federal funds from public education, echoing long-standing fights over measures like the failed 2024 Amendment 2 ballot initiative.[2][9] Senate Republicans marked the override with a mock funeral for the veto, positioning Kentucky as the first state to join without gubernatorial consent and the second overall to legislate participation.[1][4] Adams' office will oversee implementation, reporting to the U.S. Treasury and IRS with a list of approved SGOs by January 1 each year.[3][4]