A record 44 states have introduced school-choice legislation this year. Lawmakers are using tax credits and other incentives to help low-income families get their children out of failing schools.
Georgia started with a special-needs scholarship bill last year and expanded on the concept this year.
“The Georgia Legislature approved a $15 million corporate tax credit bill this year," said John Schilling, chief of staff of the Alliance for School Choice. "We are hopeful the governor will sign that bill.”
The bill would provide a tax credit for families and companies that give to private school-choice programs.
Florida is considering legislation that would expand its corporate tax credit scholarship program.
Candi Cushman, education analyst for Focus on the Family Action, said Louisiana is getting in on the action.
“Because of Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans has had to build its education system from scratch," she said. "This has opened up huge opportunities for school choice in that state."
