To:
House Finance and
Taxation Committee
From:
Christopher T.
Dodson, Executive Director
Subject:
House Bill 1478
(Tax Credit for Contributions to School Districts and
Nonpublic Schools)
Date:
January 22, 2007
The North Dakota Catholic Conference supports House Bill
1478.
House Bill 1478 recognizes and helps North Dakotans who
contribute to the education of our state’s children,
whether they attend a public school or a nonpublic school.
Throughout the state, schools struggle to keep up with the
costs of educating our children. Contributions from the
private sector towards the cost of education should be
encouraged. Providing a tax credit is one way to do that.
By providing a limited tax credit for parents who have made
tuition payments, HB 1478 acknowledges the sacrifices
parents make in order to provide what they have determined
is the best education for their children.
The most important reason, however, to support House Bill
1478 is to help those most in need. Parents may have the
right to choose where to educate their children, but that
right means nothing if the cost is beyond their means. Not
only would House Bill 1478 directly help those parents have
a real choice, it would also encourage contributions by
others that can go to scholarships for those in need.
The economic challenges experienced by some families extend
to entire communities. Those communities face unique
additional challenges when it comes to educating their
children. By providing a tax credit for contributions to
public school districts, House Bill 1478 can help encourage
donations to those districts.
The North Dakota Catholic Conference supports House Bill
1478 as a means to help all families and communities,
especially those most in need. We ask for a
Do Pass recommendation.
North Dakota Catholic Conference
Representing the Dioceses of Bismarck and Fargo
103 South Third Street,
Suite 10
Bismarck, ND 58501
701-223-2519