Connecticut House Bill HB05751

Connecticut 2015 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/15
• Refer: 1/21/15

Caption

An Act Establishing A Personal Income Tax Reduction Related To Private School Enrollment.

Impact

If enacted, the bill would amend Chapter 229 of the general statutes, introducing a new provision that directly links the personal income tax owed by taxpayers to their educational expenditures on private schooling. This change reflects an effort to incentivize private school enrollment through fiscal policy, potentially increasing the number of families who consider private education as a viable option due to the associated tax benefits. Such a shift could promote a more competitive educational market within the state as families weigh their schooling options.

Summary

House Bill 05751 proposes a three percent reduction in personal income tax for taxpayers who pay tuition for their dependent children enrolled in private or parochial elementary or secondary schools. The primary intent of this legislation is to acknowledge and provide financial relief to families who choose to enroll their children in non-public education institutions, thereby recognizing the potential tax savings associated with such decisions. This reduction aims to make private education more affordable and accessible for families that opt for it over public schooling options.

Contention

While supporters of HB 05751 argue that the tax reduction is a necessary incentive to support parental choice in education, some critics may express concerns over the implications for public education funding. There is a potential for the bill to spark debate surrounding the equity of subsidizing private education through the tax code, as it may disproportionately benefit those who can afford to pay tuition in the first place. Furthermore, opponents may argue that focusing on tax reductions for private school tuition could divert attention and resources from improving public schools, which serve the majority of students in the state.