March 29, 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Republican Legislators’ Persistence Pays Off on School Choice

(State Capitol, Phoenix) – The persistence of Republican legislators to expand school choice for Arizona’s parents has resulted in the passage into law today of the corporate scholarship tax credit.

After a measure that was part of last year’s budget agreement with the governor was vetoed, and a school choice expansion measure identical to the one that will now become law was also vetoed at the beginning of this session in January, Senate Bill 1499 will become law without the governor’s signature.

President Bennett said, “This is a great day for school children all across Arizona. In fact, when something this positive can be accomplished for our children, it’s a great day for all of us. And that’s why we could not go home from this session without seeing this bill all the way through to a successful conclusion.”

"This is a big victory for Arizona children who want to escape poor-performing schools but lack the money to attend the school of their choice," House Speaker Jim Weiers said. "This money will expand an already popular state program and provide competition that will make all of our schools better."

SB 1499 is legislation designed to expand school choice in Arizona, allowing children of lower and middle income families to take advantage of corporate contributions for them to attend schools that give them the strongest chance for the best possible education.

The measure allows corporations to receive tax credits for contributions to student tuition organizations that will in turn award scholarships for the children of many hardworking families to attend schools that will best meet their educational needs. The measure will not only help increase competition in the education of our children, it will also help ease the burden on our public school system.

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For further information contact:
Nick Simonetta, Communications and Policy Advisor to the Majority
 Arizona State Senate
Office: (602) 926-5418, e-mail: nsimonet@azleg.gov
OR
Barrett Marson, Director of Communications
 Arizona House of Representatives
Office: (602) 926-3233, e-mail: bmarson@azleg.gov