Diocesan push urges education tax credits

The bishops of New York State, including Bishop Howard J. Hubbard of the Albany Diocese, are launching a postcard campaign during October to gain support for education tax credits.

All schools and parishes in New York will encourage parents and other adults to sign the postcards, which will be sent to state legislators.

The campaign is also aimed at increasing membership in the New York State Catholic Conference Advocacy Network (CAN), which promotes the views of Catholics in matters of public policy, such as life issues, social justice and education.

Bishop's letter

In a letter to pastors and parish life directors, Bishop Hubbard notes that the New York State Catholic Conference in Albany, other bishops and he "have been urging Governor Pataki and our representatives in the state legislature to enact education tax credits to help all parents offset the cost of educating their children, whether they attend a public, charter, independent or religious school."

He said that "significant grassroots support from Catholic individuals and families is needed" now for the tax credits to be enacted, and called the campaign "absolutely critical."

The postcards, which will be distributed at Masses and through schools, have a dual purpose, the Bishop said: showing wide support for education tax credits and providing a simple way for Catholics to join CAN.

What credits are

Materials accompanying the campaign define an education tax credit as "a way for the government to reduce the taxes for individuals or corporations for their expenses and/or investments in the area of education."

Credits can be for personal expenses, such as when a family has to pay for instructional materials, tutoring, tuition or special education services; or for education investments, such as when a corporation or individual makes a donation to a school.

The value of the credit depends on family income.

Not vouchers

Some people confuse education tax credits with vouchers. As the materials note, "vouchers are used to enable parents of public school children to choose another school. Typically, they are given only to low-income families, families of children in low-performing public schools or families of special-needs children.

"Tax credits, on the other hand, help all parents offset their expenses for their children's education, regardless of where they attend school."

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that education tax credits are constitutional; several states offer them, including Arizona, Illinois, Pennsylvania and Florida.

In New York, a bill allowing education tax credits for personal expenses has been introduced by State Senator Martin Golden and Assemblyman Vito Lopez (S.1939/A.8203). State Senator Serphin Maltese and Assemblyman Dov Hikind have introduced an education investment tax credit bill (S.3101/A.6145).

(For more information, contact your parish or local Catholic school, or call the diocesan Catholic Schools Office, 453-6666.)

(9/29/05) [[In-content Ad]]