NYS tax credit

In my email the other day, I was mistaken when I wrote: "Interesting to see Spitzer supporting the modest NYS voucher program (even though he won't call it this)."

 

While the original intention of the program was to have it targeted to education, the bill that passed was a $330 per child (ages 4-16) tax credit that could be used for ANY purpose, not just education.  This blog captures what happened:

Gov. George Pataki had proposed a $500 education tax credit that would cost the state $400 million in revenues. The credit would reimburse families for spending on tutoring, SAT preparation courses, after-school enrichment programs or private and parochial school tuition.

The bill drew heavy lobbying by public school teachers unions who called it a "backdoor voucher" program. Catholic, Jewish and Lutheran groups and private school advocates said it should be targeted for education. Last week, the Legislature agreed on a "child tax credit" of about $330 for any purpose for families with school-age children. There is no mention of education.

 

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April 7, 2006

The campaign for educational tax credits continues

Mike Gormley of the Associated Press reports that the campaign for educational tax credits to give parents more choice over how their kids are educated is not over.

Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno on Thursday said state budget negotiations are under way that could give new life to the education tax credit.