A state lawmaker is renewing a push to give families with kids in private schools a tax break.
State Representative Dean Kaufert (R-Neenah) says the parents of children in private school don’t get to take advantage of the money that goes to public education. So, the Neenah Republican is co-sponsoring legislation that offers a $1,500 tax credit for students in elementary school and $2,500 for those in high school.
Kaufert says he is not pushing his bill as an alternative to the governor’s proposal to expand private school vouchers, which he does not support. However, he says it could be a viable alternative if the voucher plan is removed from the state budget.
AUDIO: Rep. Dean Kauftert (:11)
Kaufert admits the legislation does not come cheap. When fully implemented after about ten years, it’s estimated the tax credits would cost the state about $140 million a year.
Rick Schuh, WHBY