|
|
 is a Voucher Scheme White House Budget is Currying Favor with the Religious Right Credit Proposal is a Back Door to Money for Religious Schools |
|
Compiled by GayToday Americans United for Separation of Church and State
"This tax credit proposal is actually a back-door voucher scheme," said the Rev. Barry W. Lynn, executive director of Americans United. "It takes money from the public treasury to finance religious and other private schools. Congress should quickly reject this misguided gambit. "At a time when lawmakers are struggling to maintain a balanced budget, a costly multi-billion subsidy for religious schooling is an incredibly bad idea," Lynn continued. "On this test, I'd give Bush an 'F.'" Bush's tax credit proposition is included as part of the White House budget released today. According to the plan, a $2,500 tax credit would be available to parents of students attending "failing" public schools. Administration officials told reporters over the weekend the credit would also be able to cover the costs of setting up a home school. If enacted, the plan would cost the government about $3.7 billion over five years in lost revenue. Another controversial education feature of the White House budget proposal is a "Choice Demonstration Fund." Media reports indicate the fund will use $50 million to support local education experiments, including aid for private schools. The president's education measures are being unveiled about a year after Bush initially proposed a multi-billion-dollar voucher scheme. Vouchers were dropped in negotiations with congressional Democrats, and the compromise education package drew criticism from Religious Right groups. To respond to these concerns, the administration has now proposed the tax credit plan. American United's Lynn believes Bush's proposal is a political payback. "This tax credit plan appears to be a payoff to Religious Right pressure groups," Lynn said.
|
