MBPC Weighs in Against Using Public Funds for Private School Tax Credits

Feb 15, 2011

"Bill Would Give Tax Breaks for Kids to Attend Private School," Billings Gazette, February 15, 2011.

"A pair of bills to offer tax breaks to parents of children attending private schools drew praise from some parents who wanted more options for their children and came under attack as unconstitutional from public school advocates.....

Madalyn Quinlan, chief of staff for Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau, said the bills would take revenue away from Montana's public schools system at the same time that the Legislature struggles with how to fund schools.

Tara Veazey, executive director of the Montana Budget and Policy Center, said the bill has no means tests to base tax credits on a family's income.

'This would use public funds to subsidize affluent people to send their children to private schools,' she said."

Montana Budget & Policy Center

Shaping policy for a stronger Montana.

MBPC is a nonprofit organization focused on providing credible and timely research and analysis on budget, tax, and economic issues that impact low- and moderate-income Montana families.