Scholarship tax credit bill goes to governor

A bill that changes the state’s new tuition tax credit program passed the Senate Friday.

It will now be sent to the Governor for his signature. 

House Bill 100 would help small businesses that contribute cash to organizations that give scholarships for students to attend private school. The bill makes it easier to take advantage of the tax credit program, which gives credits against income taxes for individuals and corporations. The tax credits would also apply to pre-kindergarten programs.

The bill passed 35 to 12, with many Democratic senators voting against. 

“This is a back-door voucher bill that will hurt public education,” said Sen. Vincent Fort (D-Atlanta).

“We need to be very careful before we add pre-kindergarten to the mix,” Fort said, calling such a move a “sea change.” 

Sen. Eric Johnson (R-Savannah) presented the bill to the Senate, saying it’s good for education and encourages people to contribute to scholarships. Johnson is a proponent of universal vouchers.

Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) supported the bill, saying “It’s almost shocking” that anyone would oppose it.

“We’re finding a way to help people contribute to education,” Rogers said.  

Sen. Nan Orrock (D-Atlanta) spoke at length against the bill, saying it changes tax policy at a time when the state budget is in dire shape. “We should be very careful about willy-nilly, last minute changes to tax policy,” Orrock said. 

The state has capped at $50 million the total amount of such tax credits available.