WILMINGTON, DE — Bishop William E. Koenig of the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington is urging Maryland and Delaware officials to participate in a new federal scholarship tax credit program, arguing the initiative could expand educational access for families across both states before a key opt-in deadline at the end of 2026.
In a pastoral letter released this week, Koenig called on parishioners, families and community members to encourage Delaware Governor Matt Meyer and Maryland Governor Wes Moore to join the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program established under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed by Congress in July 2025.
Neither state has yet committed to participating in the program, according to the Diocese.
“May we together work to support both public and non-public school families and students,” Koenig wrote in the letter. “May we come together and work to ensure that every child in Maryland and Delaware has access to the educational resources their flourishing requires.”
The federal program creates scholarship funding through tax credits for businesses and individuals contributing to approved Scholarship Granting Organizations, or SGOs.
Those organizations can then distribute scholarships to eligible K-12 students for a range of education-related expenses in both public and private schools.
Under federal guidelines, families earning up to approximately 300% of area median income may qualify for assistance through the program.
The legislation also allows taxpayers to receive federal tax credits of up to $1,700 for donations made to participating scholarship organizations.
Dr. Louis P. De Angelo, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Wilmington, described the program as a potential tool for addressing funding and resource gaps affecting students and schools.
“As a lifelong educator I see each day the gaps left by budget shortfalls or financial needs of students,” De Angelo stated.
Koenig referenced Pope Leo XIV’s 2025 apostolic letter “Drawing New Maps of Hope,” which emphasized shared responsibility among educators, families and communities in supporting students.
The Diocese of Wilmington oversees Catholic parishes and schools across Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
Additional information about the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit program and the Diocese’s advocacy effort is available at https://cdow.org/fstc.
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