July 3, 2009
Non-public schools association see ‘Victory in Indiana’
By PAUL R. LEINGANG (Message editor)
“I am happy to report some great news tonight,” said John Elcesser, executive director of the Indiana Non-Public Education Association, June 30. He said, “Indiana has passed a private school choice program.”
The Indiana General Assembly passed the state budget which included a corporate and individual scholarship tax credit program, and Governor Mitch Daniels signed the budget into law late June 30.
According to Elesser, the $2.5 million corporate and individual scholarship tax credit program was included in the state’s special session budget.
He said, “This new program rewards generous companies and individuals who donate money to scholarship granting organizations that help low-income children attend private schools. In return for their donations, the individuals and/or corporations receive a 50 percent tax credit.
“Indiana is now the eleventh state to offer private school choice program. There are 18 programs available, currently serving 171,000 children.”