The full press release follows:
Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement after Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling cast the tiebreaking vote to pass SB 131 (Stanley and Obenshain) that establishes a tax credit for donations by individuals or corporations to nonprofit organizations providing education improvement scholarships to low-income students or eligible students with disabilities in order for them to attend nonpublic elementary or secondary schools. There is a $25 million cap for the credits.
“Virginia students deserve a world-class education regardless of their zip code and socio-economic status. Public- and private-sector entities must come together to provide every possible opportunity for students to get the education they need to fill the good jobs available in the 21st century. That is why, as part of our ‘Opportunity to Learn’ agenda, I have supported this effort to provide a tax incentive for individuals and private corporations that will spur their investment in students. This legislation will increase the ability of nonprofit organizations to provide education improvement scholarships so low-income students or students with disabilities can attend the non-public school of their choice. It is a common-sense measure that will spur private support in educating the leaders of tomorrow and will give students a new opportunity to learn the skills they need to be successful in the future. I applaud the leadership of Senators Stanley, Obenshain and Stosch, as well as the senators who voted for the measure and the Lieutenant Governor for advancing this legislation.”
Roger Gray says on: February 22, 2012 at 9:40 am
Unlike HB321 which also establishes tax-credit scholarships for low-income students and defines “low-come” as students receiving free or reduced lunch, SB 131 uses a differenct definition; 300% of federal poverty rate and 400% for eligible students with learning disability. SB131 is not about rescuing low-income children from inner city schools, it’s about subsidizing private school tuition paid by middle-income parents. I can’t understand why private school tuition would be paid at the expense of taxpayers. Both bills would provide 10% of contribution recieved for administrative costs of the non-profit running the scholarship program. Lots of money to be made. Here is the non-profit running the Florida tax-credit scholarship foundation http://www.stepupforstudents.org.