School Tax Credit

A similar bill went all the way to the governors desk last year before Kathleen Blanco killed it with a veto pen. With newly elected Governor Bobby Jindals blessing- the tax deduction bill for private school tuition- is set to pass into law. Some northeast Louisiana residents love the idea of a state tax deduction for private school tuition. Barbara Hite says, "I am very much in favor of it". But others say the bill is just one more tax break for the wealthy. Cynthia Hutchinson of West Monroe said, "Send their kids to private schools should be able to pay their own taxes". Annette Harrison sends her children to Ouachita Christian School. She says parents who choose to send their kids to private schools deserve the tax deduction. Annette says, "I pay federal taxes, I pay local taxes, I pay local school taxes for the public schools". Harrison says she cant understand the notion that a tax deduction for parents like her will harm public schools. Annette Harrison, "I dont think this tax deduction will cause a mass exodus". Opponents of this legislation say that not only will it harm public schools but add that it will take 20 million dollars out of the state treasury. Barbara Hite, "Thats a big lump sum". But Harrison says, that money wont be taken away from Louisiana public schools. Annette Harrison, "Its not going to affect the amount of money that the state has committed to the public schools". But Harrison says the money will mean a lot to middle class families who choose to send their kids to private school. She says, "An average of 60 to 300 dollars per child, per family". Despite their differences all three women agreed on one thing. Barbara Hite, "Whatever it takes, we should care for our children that much". A similar bill to give parents with kids in the public school system a tax break for school uniforms is stalled in the senate after passing through the house because a majority of senators say it would cost the state too much money.