FRANKFORT, Ky. (LEX 18) With time running out for lawmakers in Frankfort, arguments over certain bills are getting heated. The ones getting the most attention deal with education and funding.
Today’s battle drew a clear line between public and private school supporters.
Because of Kentucky’s constitution, tax dollars can only fund public schools. So right now, money to help families pay for private schools can only come from private scholarship donations to groups like school choice.
House Bill 205 would create a statewide private school scholarship tax credit program. That means people who donate to the scholarship fund get a tax break. So teachers, superintendents, and public education supporters worry this will hurt public school funding.
“Any reduction in state general fund tax revenues means less money for the state towards our most fundamental obligation – our public schools,” said Stephanie Winkler, President of the Kentucky Educational Association.
Some parents believe it will give them more options to choose the right school for their children.
“We’ve been able to send all three kiddos to the school that they chose,” Denise Henderson told LEX 18.
