Lexington, MA – Mike Kennealy, Republican candidate for Governor, calls on Governor Maura Healey to opt in to the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA) and to introduce legislation to create a matching dollar-for-dollar state tax incentive.
“Education has long been the quiet architect of Massachusetts’ future, shaping minds, driving industry and leading the world in research. Now, Bay Staters have the opportunity to directly advance educational freedom for students and families striving for better opportunities,” said Kennealy. “I urge Governor Healey to opt in to the ECCA and to introduce matching legislation to further strengthen educational freedom across the Commonwealth. Failing to do so continues Healey’s policy of managing our decline instead of leading us forward, depriving children of the future they deserve.”
The ECCA has strengthened educational freedom through the nation’s first federal tax-credit scholarship program. Taxpayers who support educational freedom can claim a federal tax credit for up to $1,700 under the law for contributions made to state-approved Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). Under Kennealy’s proposed matching state tax incentive, individual filers can claim a matching $1,700 credit on their state tax returns. Scholarships can be used to cover tuition, books, tutoring, homeschool resources, online coursework, and specialized educational services for children with learning disabilities.
Despite Massachusetts’ appearance as the leader for National Assessment of Education Progress test performance, the state’s reading scores and math scores peaked in 2011 and 2013 respectively, according to analysis done by Commonwealth Beacon in February 2025. The same analysis shows the state’s 2024 eighth-grade math scores were number one in the country but would have ranked the state 30th in 2013. Additionally, Massachusetts students suffer from a huge racial achievement gap. Black and Hispanic students in Massachusetts score 30 points lower on the fourth-grade math exam than their white peers.
“Through my work in Lawrence and at the Boys and Girls Club of Boston, I’ve seen the opportunities we can create when leaders set ambitious goals, collaborate with teachers, and empower students and their families. On day one of my administration and every day thereafter, we will get serious about improving educational outcomes because Massachusetts deserves nothing less,” added Kennealy.
Kennealy previously served as Special Advisor for the turnaround of the Lawrence Public Schools, helping turn a 52% graduation rate into a 72% graduation rate in just two years. He also helped empower students and their families while directing money straight into the classroom and creating innovative programs with the community to improve educational outcomes.
###
