By Jake Goldstein-Street | Reporter
Gov. Bob Ferguson has yet to decide whether Washington will participate in a federal tax credit program to fund K-12 education. Under the program, beginning in January, individuals can claim a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for donations to certain nonprofits called scholarship-granting organizations. For married couples, credits can be up to $3,400. The contributions are meant to fund K-12 scholarships, primarily at private schools, though the scholarships also cover tutoring, books, supplies and disability services for public school students.
While Ferguson stews on his decision, the state’s schools chief, Chris Reykdal, is urging the governor to reject it.
Also in today’s edition…
• Most wildfires in Idaho have been human caused.
• The national civics bee championship is today.
• And, the president’s failed efforts to get state voter data.
News tips, feedback, questions? Email us: [email protected]
Washington state Superintendent of Public Instruction Chris Reykdal discussed financial challenges facing public schools on Feb. 5, 2026. (Photo by Aspen Ford/Washington State Standard)
By Aspen Ford
In a recent letter to the governor, Reykdal wrote that, “Washington cannot in good faith participate.”
“This entire tax scheme will add significant federal debt, and that means more cuts to public education and programs in future years,” he added.
Ferguson’s office is reviewing new federal rules on the program. That “will take some time,” a spokesperson said. “When the governor makes a decision, he will announce it.”
By Clark Corbin
The costs of wildfires are in Idaho are high, and several legislators are pushing for more answers. Through the end of September, the state’s wildfire costs were a little over $47 million, of which an estimated $19.8 million could be reimbursable from other agencies the state partners with, according to Idaho’s public lands head. Most of the wildfires the Idaho Department of Lands has responded to this year have been caused by humans.
By Shauneen Miranda
Fifty-two middle school students hailing from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and American Samoa, will compete at the annual National Civics Bee Championship in the nation’s capital on Wednesday. Washington’s entrant is Calista from Lyle, who is passionate about wildfire preparedness and wants to fly aircraft to help combat fires.
By Jonathan Shorman
A federal court decision, issued late last week, marks the latest rebuke of the Trump administration during more than a year of legal confrontations with dozens of states and voting rights groups over President Donald Trump’s efforts to assert authority over voting ahead of the midterm elections.
ICYMI
Gov. Ferguson calls for salary survey after ferry sickout | by Jake Goldstein-Street
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