SEN. DAVID GIVENS RESPONDS
TO BESHEAR'S VETO OF HOUSE BILL 1
FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 13, 2026) — The following is a statement from Senate President Pro Tempore David Givens, R-Greensburg, in response to Governor Andy Beshear’s veto of House Bill 1, legislation sponsored by Reps. Kim Moser and TJ Roberts, which allows Kentucky to participate in a federal education tax credit program so that charitable donations supported by a federal tax credit can benefit Kentucky students through scholarships and other educational resources.
"Kentuckians reading the governor’s veto message might reasonably conclude that he is rejecting additional federal education resources that could benefit students across the commonwealth. Sadly, they would be correct, as Governor Andy Beshear’s veto message misrepresents what House Bill 1 actually does. This legislation does not spend a single dollar of Kentucky tax revenue, does not reduce SEEK funding and does not divert state education dollars. It simply allows Kentucky to participate in a federal program so that charitable donations supported by a federal tax credit can benefit Kentucky students instead of students in other states.
"HB 1 begins the process to offer this school funding opportunity to Kentucky taxpayers, teachers and, most importantly, students. If Kentucky refuses to opt in, our taxpayers can still claim the credit, but their donations will flow across state lines to support education elsewhere. HB 1 prevents that and keeps those opportunities here at home.
"Federal funds resulting from HB 1 can support a wide range of educational needs for students in public, private or homeschool settings, including tutoring, technology, books and special needs services. This is about expanding resources for students, not taking anything away from our public schools.
"The bill passed the General Assembly with bipartisan support because members recognized the simple question before us: should federal education tax credits claimed by Kentucky families benefit Kentucky students, or those in other states?
"As I said during Senate floor debate on HB 1, this program costs taxpayers nothing. If someone owes an income tax dollar to Washington, they can direct that dollar to help a Kentucky student instead. This applies to the first $1,700 of federal income tax owed for each taxpayer.
"I continue to encourage Kentuckians, including the governor, to take advantage of this opportunity and contribute to a Kentucky scholarship-granting organization once the program begins in 2027.
"The General Assembly’s commitment to Kentucky’s public schools is clear and well documented. We have increased K-12 education funding to record levels and will continue to invest billions of dollars to educate our future leaders. Total Kentucky K-12 education funding, including our investments in public educator pensions, outpaces even inflation.
"The record makes clear that HB 1 is not about taking resources away from public education. On the contrary: It’s about doing what we must to ensure federal tax credits claimed by Kentucky families support Kentucky students rather than leaving our commonwealth altogether.
"Governor Beshear’s meandering veto message reminds me of a student who really wishes the teacher had put a different question on the test. Well, we will "grade" his work next week when we override his veto and start the process of making these federal funds available to Kentucky families."