Connecticut House Bill HB05006

Connecticut 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/8/12
• Refer: 2/8/12

Caption

An Act Concerning Tax Credits For Corporations That Donate To Scholarship Programs For Students At Nonpublic Schools.

Impact

This legislation would have a significant impact on state laws regarding educational funding and tax incentives. By providing a tax break for corporate donations, the bill encourages businesses to financially support alternative education pathways for students who might otherwise be unable to afford nonpublic schooling. The intent behind this legislation is to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by low-income families and to enhance educational opportunities through private scholarship funding.

Summary

House Bill 05006 proposes a tax credit for corporations and business entities that contribute to scholarship programs aimed at assisting low-income students in attending nonpublic schools. The bill specifically targets educational institutions located in select cities in Connecticut, such as Norwalk, Danbury, and Bridgeport, while also including schools for students with special needs across the state. The tax credit is set at seventy percent of the donation amount or a maximum of fifty thousand dollars, whichever is less, with an overall cap of five hundred thousand dollars on the total credits available each calendar year.

Contention

There are potential points of contention surrounding HB 05006, particularly concerning the implications of directing public funding toward private education. Critics may argue that incentivizing corporate donations to nonpublic schools could divert vital resources away from the public education system, resulting in unequal educational quality and access. Additionally, concerns may arise regarding accountability and transparency in how scholarships are administered and the criteria used to allocate these funds to students.