The 74: With DeVos Out, Movement for Private School Choice Shifts to State Legislatures
media mentionThe scholarship policies rely on tax credits — from 50 up to 100 cents on the dollar, depending on the state — in return for contributions to assist with private school tuition. The high return rates are “incredibly unusual,” says Carl Davis, research director at the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. Most other credits, he said, such as for donating to a soup kitchen, save only five to 10 cents on the dollar for state taxes.
“If a taxpayer makes a contribution,” explained Davis, “and then gets all their money, or nearly all their money back from their state government, ultimately that money has come out of the state coffers, not out of that taxpayer’s pocket.”