LAKEWOOD, NJ – Rep. Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey voiced firm opposition this week to a proposed federal school voucher program that would direct public funds toward private school tuition, as House Republicans push to include the measure in a sweeping budget reconciliation bill.
Gottheimer, a Democrat and declared candidate for governor of New Jersey, responded directly to questions about his stance during a press event after Politico reported that his position on vouchers was unclear.
“Sure. I’m totally against vouchers,” Gottheimer said. “I support public schools, but I also like what our state has done over the years with some of our parochial schools to make sure they get bussing, they get good security and technology, and that we invest in our kids.”
The proposal, championed by Republicans on the House Ways and Means Committee, would allocate $20 billion over four years to a federal school voucher program. The measure is part of a larger legislative package that also includes an extension of former President Donald Trump’s 2017 tax cuts.
If enacted, the program would mark the first time federal tax dollars could be used to subsidize private school tuition nationwide. GOP lawmakers and school choice advocates have praised the effort, arguing it expands educational opportunities for families.
Gottheimer vowed to fight the bill, along with other Trump administration policies from his position on Capitol Hill.
Federal legislation fuels debate
Democrats have largely opposed the measure, contending that it would divert crucial resources from public education. Gottheimer emphasized his commitment to bolstering public schools while expanding access to early childhood education across New Jersey.
“I also believe in all of our communities, every kid should get universal pre-K, no matter where they live,” Gottheimer said. “We got to support all of our communities on that and all-day kindergarten.”
The news is bad for parochial school families across New Jersey who continue to pay school taxes on their property taxes, despite their children attending private religious schools.
The federal voucher proposal has sparked renewed debate over education policy ahead of the 2026 New Jersey gubernatorial election, where education funding is expected to be a key issue.
