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(Lansing, Mich.) – Michigan voters continue to support the state opting into the federal education tax credit, according to the latest Michigan Poll®, conducted by Marketing Resource Group, LLC (MRG). The poll of 1,008 respondents, conducted October 9-14, showed 72% of respondents supporting Michigan opting into the program that applies to both public and nonpublic schools.
The support crosses party lines, with 76% of Democrats supporting opting into the program along with 72% of Republicans and 68% of respondents self-identifying as Independents. These numbers are statistically tied with the results from MRG’s Spring 2026 Michigan Poll, which found 79% of Democrats, 71% of Republicans, and 68% of Independents supporting the state opting into the program.
“Asking a question strictly on the policy without partisan slant, it’s clear voters want Michigan to participate in the federal education tax program,” said Jenell Leonard, Owner of MRG. “Opting into the tax credit policy is widely supported by both parties and independents, which also includes nearly seven in ten union households.”
“The consistent and overwhelming bipartisan support for the federal education tax credit helps make it a popular decision for the governor to opt Michigan into the program,” said Leonard. “Michigan currently ranks 45th in education. Choosing to participate in the federal education tax credit would give parents the resources and the financial support to ensure their child has the tools to learn no matter where they go to school.”
Additional federal guidance regarding the federal education tax program was issued on October 1st. According to the policy, individual states must opt into the federal program by notifying the IRS. To date, over 30 states have opted in or plan to do so, including those with both Republican and Democratic leadership. The most recent state to opt in was the state of New York. Because this is a federal program, the Michigan Constitution’s prohibition on state funding to nonpublic schools does not apply. It also means that the state School Aid Fund that sends money to public schools is not impacted.
The Questions and Results
The results and the wording of the questions asked by MRG follow.
The following information was provided to poll respondents before being asked about the new federal tax credit:
“A new federal law allows individuals who donate to a Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO) to claim up to $1,700 on their federal tax return. SGOs use donations to provide financial assistance to children who attend public or nonpublic schools for education-related services, including tuition. Taxpayers who donate to an SGO can begin claiming the tax credit in January 2027. Governors must opt in to the program for residents to be eligible. Currently, 30 other states participate.”
“In Michigan, opting into the program means eligible families with children in public or nonpublic schools could receive financial assistance for education expenses – like tutoring, tuition, computers, school supplies, or special needs support. It would not cost the state or public schools anything. For Michigan families to benefit, the Governor must opt into the program.”
Q. Do you support or oppose Michigan opting into the new federal program so Michigan
families can receive help with their out-of-pocket educational expenses?
MRG Michigan Poll® Fall 2026
The survey of 1008 \ likely Michigan voters was conducted by Quantitative CAWI (Computer Administered Web Interviewing) survey through an online panel from October 9-14, 2026. Quotas for gender, age and race/ethnicity were met within each geographic area. Some columns or results may not add up to 100% because of rounding. Individual rounding may impact final totals. This survey yields a sampling margin of error of ±3.1 percentage points with a 95 percent confidence interval. The sampling margin of error for subgroups may be higher depending on the size of the subgroup.
About Marketing Resource Group (MRG)
Lansing, Michigan-based Marketing Resource Group (www.mrgmi.com) is an award-winning PR firm representing corporate, association, nonprofit, and private clients with interests in Michigan. MRG offers expertise in public affairs, communications, political campaign management, and public opinion survey research. For more than thirty years, MRG has conducted its bi-annual omnibus Michigan Poll®, tracking the pulse of Michigan voters on key statewide public policy and political issues. MRG is the only Michigan public opinion survey research firm that maintains nearly 40 years of trend analyses of voter attitudes related to state and national leaders, political parties, and the political and economic climate in Michigan. Follow MRG on X @mrgmichigan and on Facebook.
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