Kansas private school tuition bill passes first hurdle


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TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A tax credit program to help low-income families pay for private school passed a key hurdle this week when a majority of House Education Committee members approved a major expansion.

The program allows certain businesses to donate money for private school scholarships, most of which are going toward Catholic school tuition, the Topeka Capital-Journal reported (bit.ly/1SepG8X ). In return, businesses can deduct 70 percent of the donation value from their tax bills.

The new measure would raise the cap so more families qualify for scholarships, allows anyone — not just businesses — to receive the tax credit, and raises the credit to 90 percent.

The bill also would allow students at any public school or who already are attending private school to receive the scholarships. Previously, the aid was only for children switching from 99 public schools with low standardized test scores, or for younger children to start their educations in private school.

Supporters say the program gives families that can't afford private school more educational options. Opponents argue that it hurts state coffers and may be unconstitutional when the money goes to religious schools.

The House bill would allow the current $10 million cap on statewide credits to rise incrementally over the years if the program attracts enough donations.

The program allows private schools to participate, even if they aren't accredited by Kansas.

The committee rejected an amendment by Rep. Sue Boldra, a Hays Republican, to end the private school assistance.

"There's no accountability measures in this," Boldra said.

As of December, businesses have donated $776,000 for private school tuition, qualifying them to deduct $543,200 in tax liability. About $108,400 of the money has been awarded for 73 students, with the tuition primarily going to Catholic schools.

Enrollment at Kansas Catholic schools has been on the decline in recent years. In 1993 it was about 25,400, it grew to 28,600 a decade later and has since slid back to 25,800.

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Information from: The Topeka (Kan.) Capital-Journal, http://www.cjonline.com

Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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