Transparency for Private School Scholarships Improves

Senate Bill 243 (SB 243), unlike the related House Bill 140 (HB 140) introduced earlier in 2013 legislative session, would bring overdue focus, transparency and accountability to the private school scholarship tax credit program. But it does not end its annual expansion. The proposed changes would encourage making students with the greatest financial need a top priority, direct more money to students and provide more information about the finances of participating organizations. At a time when the state is cutting its support for public education, however, lawmakers should not divert potential state revenue away from critical needs to a program with an unproven track record. Download the bill analysis.