An identical bill is working its way through both houses of the New York State Legislature that would help public, private and home schools.

Sen. Maltese (R - Queens)

The bill would authorize a personal tax credit up to $80, and a corporate tax credit up to $2,160 for contributions to public education entities (including charter schools), or a personal tax credit up to $60 and $1,800 for contributions to charitable organizations which offer tuition assistance, or up to $60 for expenses incurred by school personnel and parents who educated their children at home.

The amount of money does not sound like much, but it is a start.  Parents who pay taxes to support public education and send their children to a private school, or educate their children at home, deserve a tax break. 

During his last year as Governor, George Pataki suggested an educational tax credit of $500 in his budget, but the Legislature changed it into a child tax credit of $300.  The switch was unfortunate, and only for one year.  This bill is a beginning.

S3627A cleared the Senate Investigations and Government Operations Committee on May 20, 2008. The bill now awaits further action in the Senate Finance Committee.

A6432A is in the Assembly Ways and Means Committee where it has been awaiting action since January 2008.