Scholarship Tax Credits Bill Voted Out of Committee

March 14, 2006, JEFFERSON CITY, MO – In the early hours of Tuesday, March 14, 2006 HB 1783, sponsored by Rep. Carl Bearden (R-St. Charles) was voted out of the House Committee on Special Urban Affairs. The bill offers a state income tax credit to taxpayers who donate to foundations that offer scholarships so students in school districts of the City of St. Louis, Kansas City and Wellston may attend a better school, such as another public school or a nonpublic school, including a Catholic school.

Juanita Martinez, Executive Director of the Central Cities School Fund of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph testified in favor of HB 1783. Ms. Martinez testified that the tax credits would encourage parents to send their kids to better schools. In response to concerns raised about students being put on waiting lists to get into Catholic schools, Ms. Martinez assured the committee that the schools would find room for the scholarship students.

Regional Growth and Commerce Association of St. Louis and the Mayor’s Office of St. Louis both expressed their support of HB 1783.

Mike Hoey, Assistant Director of the Missouri Catholic Conference hailed the committee’s action saying, “This will create new educational opportunities for poor students trapped in failing public schools. It’s time to try something new in providing parents with choices in their child’s education. This is a step in the right direction toward improving the education available in these areas.” The Missouri Catholic Conference has been a long time supporter of parental choices in education.

Hoey continued, “We expect continued strong opposition from vested public school groups but school parents in these districts are beginning to come forward and say it’s time for a change and that their children deserve other options.”

The following representatives voted in favor of HB 1783: Rep. Theodore Hoskins (D-Berkeley), Rep. Rodney Hubbard (D-St. Louis), Rep. Nathan Cooper (R-Cape Girardeau), Rep. Bill Deeken (R-Jefferson City), Rep. Scott Muschany (R-St. Louis County), Rep. Sherman Parker (R-St. Peters), and Rep. Byran Pratt (R-Blue Springs).

The following representatives voted against HB 1783: Rep. Craig Bland (D-Kansas City), Rep. Melba Curls (D-Kansas City), and Rep. Robert Thane Johnson (R- Lee’s Summit).

The following representatives were absent: Rep. Yaphett El-Amin (D-St. Louis), Rep. Kathlyn Fares (R-Webster Groves), and Rep. Brian David Yates (R-Lee’s Summit).