Full Breakdown
Impact of Federal Policies on Education and Food Assistance Programs
3/30/2026, 10:20:40 PM
Education Freedom Tax Credit and Potential Funding Losses
The Education Freedom Tax Credit (EFTC) program, introduced by the federal government, is projected to provide nearly $23 billion in education funding over the next three years. However, states that choose not to participate in the program could forfeit this funding, which translates to over 4.1 million lost scholarship opportunities for students. The America First Policy Institute has developed an interactive Funding Loss Calculator to illustrate the potential financial impact on non-participating states. Currently, 28 governors have opted into the program, which allows taxpayers to receive up to $1,700 in federal tax credits for donations to scholarship-granting organizations that support K–12 educational expenses, including private school tuition and homeschooling.
Erika Donalds, chair of educational opportunity at the America First Policy Institute, emphasized the importance of this program, stating, “Every parent deserves to make education decisions on behalf of their children.” The calculator aims to inform governors and the public about the financial implications of opting out, particularly as demand for school choice options continues to grow in states like Texas and Tennessee.
Changes to SNAP and Impact on Immigrant Communities
Recent changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) have resulted in significant restrictions for certain immigrant groups, including refugees and asylum seekers without green cards. Under the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," these individuals are no longer eligible for SNAP benefits, a move that has drawn criticism for potentially undermining the support system for those seeking humanitarian protection. The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, stated that the changes aim to reduce fraud and waste, but critics argue that they disproportionately affect documented immigrants who have already undergone rigorous vetting processes.
Julia Gelatt from the Migration Policy Institute highlighted the adverse effects of stripping SNAP access, noting that it undermines the U.S. commitment to supporting refugees. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that as many as 90,000 individuals could lose SNAP eligibility monthly due to these provisions. States like Oklahoma, Missouri, and Iowa have already implemented these changes, while others, such as Illinois, are set to follow.
Criticism and Consequences of Policy Changes
Critics of the new SNAP restrictions argue that they create additional barriers for immigrant families, making it harder for them to access essential food assistance. Joseph Llobrera from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities noted that the changes could lead to a decline in SNAP enrollment, which has already fallen by about 6% in Iowa since last summer. Local food pantries are bracing for increased demand as more individuals lose access to benefits.
In the education sector, the potential loss of funding due to non-participation in the EFTC program raises concerns about the availability of educational resources for families. As states weigh their options, the implications of these federal policies on vulnerable populations continue to unfold.
Verbatim Quotes
“Every parent deserves to make education decisions on behalf of their children.” — Erika Donalds, Chair of Educational Opportunity, America First Policy Institute
“Taking away their food stamp access during their first year in the United States is really pulling the rug out from under their ability to find their footing in the United States, and get settled and work on building that self-sufficiency,” — Julia Gelatt, Associate Director, Migration Policy Institute
“Millions will go without Medicaid under work requirements and six-month redeterminations in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, even with robust efforts to mitigate coverage losses,” — Matthew Buettgens, Senior Fellow, Urban Institute
