Batt Says Tax Credit Would Hurt Schools

While refusing to take a position on the question, Gov. Phil Batt on Tuesday said he fears a proposed initiative giving a state income tax credit to parents whose children are schooled at home or in private institutions will seriously affect public school financing.

“I have stated many times that I believe involving the private sector further in education is a very good goal and private education and even homeschooling have a good record in achievement in this state and I would like to encourage those activities,” Batt said during a call-in radio show on KIDO in Boise.

“But it would have a very serious impact on our school funding, and I agree with Attorney General Lance that we should proceed cautiously in that area,” the governor said.

A day earlier, Attorney General Alan Lance said his legal analysis suggested that the $500-a-child income tax credit would probably withstand state and federal constitutional challenges because unlike voucher plans, it provides the benefit directly to the parents and not to a private or religious school.

He did say that there were a number of other potential legal problems with the proposition. He said Idaho Citizens Alliance’s Kelly Walton should address these before submitting the initiative for a ballot title in mid-August.

Walton called Lance’s suggestion excellent. The legal problems are “very minor and have nothing to do with the actual bill,” he said.

At the same time, Walton blasted Batt for not endorsing any of the four 1996 family value initiatives the alliance has proposed and specifically cited the tax credit for parents whose children do not use public schools.

He said that would go a long way toward easing overcrowded conditions in the public school system - conditions that have contributed greatly to the backlog in public school maintenance and construction that is approaching $1 billion.

“I’m not taking a position,” Batt replied on Tuesday, “and I won’t until it qualifies for the ballot.”

Batt also poured cold water on legislative proposals for state assistance to school districts in addressing building needs.

, DataTimes