Bill+For+Scholarship+Credits+Moves+to+State+Senate

= Bill for scholarship tax credits moves to state Senate = = = =By Tracie Mauriello= =//Published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette//= =//5/10/11//=

=HARRISBURG -- It easily cleared the state House today, but a bill to provide more tax credits for businesses that provide scholarship contributions for elementary and high school students to attend private schools has a tough battle ahead in the Senate.= =It's not that senators oppose the idea but that many prefer a controversial school voucher bill that includes educational tax credits as a small component.= =In the House, many see tax credits as an alternative to vouchers.= =Sponsored by Rep. Tom Quigley, R-Montgomery, the House plan would provide an additional $25 million next year and $100 million in subsequent years for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program.= =The program now is funded at $75 million.= =It provides tax credits of up to 95 percent for businesses contributing scholarships for tuition to private elementary and secondary schools.= =Averaging $1,100 each, the scholarships are available to children whose family income is less than $50,000 annually. Mr. Quigley's bill would expand eligibility to those whose family income is up to $60,000 next year and $75,000 in 2012.= =The House approved the bill today in a 190-7 vote.= =Caucus spokesman Erik Arneson said Senate Republicans are reviewing the House bill and seeking input from Gov. Tom Corbett.= ="The governor has not yet made his position known on this legislation and that, of course, will be vital information," Mr. Arneson said.= =Mr. Corbett's office could not be reached for comment.= = = =Read more: [] = = =

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