Bill to expand school choice via tax incentives supported by Barr

U.S. Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) recently signed on as a cosponsor of the bicameral Educational Choice for Children Act. 

“As a father of two young daughters, I recognize the importance of empowering parents with the ability to determine the right path for their children’s education,” Rep. Barr said on July 11. “This legislation will boost resources to expand school choice without raising taxes on a single Kentuckian.” 

If enacted, the bill would expand educational opportunity for students by providing a charitable donation incentive for individuals and businesses to fund scholarship awards that could cover various expenses related to K-12 public, independent and religious education, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. Barr’s office.

The congressman on June 22 signed on as a cosponsor to H.R. 8137, which was introduced on June 16 by U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN) and 10 Republican original cosponsors. U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-LA) and three original cosponsors on the same day introduced the identical S. 4416 in their chamber.

“I want to thank both Congresswoman Walorski and Senator Cassidy for their leadership on this legislation,” said Rep. Barr.

The measure includes a provision for a non-refundable credit against federal taxes on a dollar-for-dollar basis for charitable donations to non-profit scholarship granting organizations, the summary says.

Additionally, the proposed bill includes provisions that govern Scholarship Granting Organizations to ensure they are a non-profit entity pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code, and that their exclusive purpose is to award scholarships for eligible expenses to multiple students and offer more than a single school from which to choose, states the summary.