Credits Catholics for credits

This year's New York State budget includes a new tax credit for parents of school-age children.

The credit, worth up to $330 per child, is not linked to education, as was initially proposed by Gov. George Pataki and supported by the bishops of the state. Rather, it can be taken by all parents for any purpose.

Richard E. Barnes, director of the New York State Catholic Conference, which represents the bishops in matters of public policy, said the credit "would not have been adopted had it not been for the hard work of the Catholic Conference and other education tax credit supporters.

"Catholic citizens across the state should be proud that their advocacy has resulted directly in this needed tax relief, worth an estimated $600 million. Thousands of Catholic parents came to Albany, both on Feb. 14 and March 14, to lobby for an education tax credit. In addition, hundreds of thousands more signed postcards and called or emailed their legislators, demanding an education tax credit. [Their voices were heard], and our legislators acted.

"Unfortunately, the influence of the public school teachers unions prevented the credit from being directly tied to education, as initially proposed. It is ironic that those who represent our state's teachers would insist that this money expressly not be dedicated to education expenses.

"The Catholic bishops urge parents to use the money to help pay for education expenses, whether their children attend public, religious or independent schools. The Catholic Conference will continue to advocate for a true education tax credit and other means to empower parents to have greater choice" in education.

(5/4/06) [[In-content Ad]]