Arizona
New Tax Credit on Table
Home School Legal Defense Association is seeing an increasing legislative trend encouraging alternatives to public school attendance. Arizona enters the ring with House Bill 2353, introduced by a covey of legislators, which would provide a $250 tax credit to any taxpayer who provides a home school in compliance with Arizona’s statutory requirements. If the allowable credit exceeds taxes otherwise due, or if no taxes are due, the taxpayer may carry the unused credit up to five consecutive taxable years.
The bill has passed the house and is now in the senate. Much of the success for the house vote goes to Arizona Families for Home Education. Tom Lewis, Legislative Director of AFHE, has been instrumental in spearheading the successful effort thus far.
Tom points out that, although this program will reduce Arizona’s tax revenue by $4,200,000, a more significant savings will result from a lower public school tuition bill as more students leave for home schools. To be fair, Tom also notes that parents of private and public school students are currently receiving some tax credits.
HSLDA opposes vouchers, but cautiously supports tax credits. State governments potentially could attempt to control recipients of even indirect state benefits. However, tax credits should not bring added government regulation because the state does not actually pay out money or directly confer benefits.
Congratulations to AFHE and Tom Lewis for their brave and gallant efforts to bring fairness to parents who teach their children at home. — J. Michael Smith
