by David Safier
The Republic has been doing some excellent reporting on tuition tax credits lately. Today's article plows some new ground.
The main point is, the 5 other states that have similar tax credit laws have far more restrictions built into them than we do.
For instance, in Arizona, we have no reporting that tells us the total amount of scholarship money that goes to each student or the family's income level. Florida -- Florida! -- does a much better job.
Officials there know how many low-income students from each school district receive scholarships, including their race and gender. The students are identified by name to the state and cross-checked for financial eligibility.
Florida also requires annual academic reviews of recipients to determine if the program is aiding achievement. Arizona does not for either of its tax-credit programs.
Florida's lengthy requirements, which run more than 5,400 words, have not hindered school choice, said Jon East, a spokesman for Step Up for Students, Florida's largest tuition organization.
"I would say they are entirely reasonable," he said. "This is money that would otherwise be in the state treasury. People have a right to know how the money is spent."
Florida also requires annual academic reviews of recipients to determine if the program is aiding achievement. Arizona does not for either of its tax-credit programs.
Florida's lengthy requirements, which run more than 5,400 words, have not hindered school choice, said Jon East, a spokesman for Step Up for Students, Florida's largest tuition organization.
"I would say they are entirely reasonable," he said. "This is money that would otherwise be in the state treasury. People have a right to know how the money is spent."
The article has a clear, informative table if you want the details:
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