Michigan Senate Bill SB0711

Michigan 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/24
• Refer: 2/7/24

Caption

Individual income tax: credit; credit for contributions to scholarship-granting organizations and deduction of funds distributed to student opportunity scholarship accounts; provide for. Amends sec. 30 of 1967 PA 281 (MCL 206.30) & adds secs. 279 & 679. TIE BAR WITH: SB 0710'24

Impact

The implications of SB 0711 are significant as it directly affects the structure of tax credits available to residents in Michigan. By permitting up to $500 million in tax credits for a fiscal year, the bill could reshape how education funding is approached within the state. It encourages taxpayers to contribute to the scholarships which can help broaden the access to educational resources for students, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Furthermore, the legislation mandates that an annual report detailing the impact and administration of these credits and related contributions is submitted to the legislature, which promotes accountability in the program's operations.

Summary

Senate Bill 0711 aims to amend the Income Tax Act of 1967, focusing on specific tax credits for contributions made to scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs). The legislation allows taxpayers to claim a credit against their income tax for contributions made to these approved organizations, which participate in the student opportunity scholarship program. This bill specifies a framework where eligible taxpayers can receive tax credits up to 100% of their contributions to SGOs starting from tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2024. This approach is anticipated to enhance educational opportunities by facilitating funding through a credit system that incentivizes charitable contributions to organizations that provide scholarships to students.

Contention

Controversially, while proponents argue that SB 0711 will diversify educational funding and increase parental choice in education, critics may see it as a potential detriment to public school funding. There are fears that directing large amounts of tax credits toward SGOs could reduce the financial resources available to public schools. This could lead to significant disparities in resource allocation and may exacerbate existing inequalities in educational access. Moreover, the requirement for preapproval of credit contributions may present bureaucratic challenges both for taxpayers and SGOs, raising concerns about the efficiency of implementation.