Help me please.
I went to my daughter's kindergarten program tonight and the co president of the PTA shared some "interesting" information with the over 300 parents there.
There is a movement in the House of Reps here to get homeschoolers or parents of children in private school a tax credit of 2000$ per year.
The school was handing out little postcards with requests for signatures in order to defeat the bill and keep money in the public school. The co president informed everyone that they could sign the paper and drop it off at the office, they would take it to Columbia and file a petition to get this tax credit killed. I was furious! I couldn't believe that man was standing there telling these people to just sign that little card and drop it off. He told them that this would take MILLIONS of dollars away from their school/education system. If I were a parent in that room that wasn't really paying attention to what he was saying, I would have signed that little card and went on my merry way.
This tax credit is a reimbursement of sorts for homeschoolers or private schoolers. Everyone pays taxes to support public education but why should a homeschooler have to foot the bill for my child? Their child isn't reaping any benefits from the tax money they are paying so why should they get stuck with the bill? And how dare this man stand up and ask these unsuspecting parents to just sign that little postcard without encouraging them to educate themselves on what exactly that would entail?
Granted, if the tax credit goes through, the public school system will lose money. They might even lose students to parents who will them be able to afford to send their child to private school or even those who want to attempt to homeschool. Why can't the PTA simply try and find the money elsewhere? We have the SC State Education Lottery Fund here, suck some money out of that. Jack up the tax on alcohol and cigarette sales to make up the lost money.
Think of how the school might profit from smaller class sizes. His reasoning for keeping the tax credit from passing? Even though those homeschooled students aren't IN the school, it still costs money to heat and cool that building. I was floored. He's saying that the main reason they want to kill this bill is so they can afford to pay their electric bill?? How warped is that?
I need to take time to cool of and then write this *#*@& a letter. Can anyone please help me find a way to write this as professionally as possible? I'm just floored that he thinks since he went to an hour long meeting on what this tax credit will entail, he's justified in trying to screw homeschoolers or private schoolers out of money that is rightfully theirs!

Wow. :( As a homeschooling mama, I think that stinks. I have to pay federal taxes (in part to support schools) plus state taxes (in part to support schools) PLUS local SCHOOL tax. It's absolutely unfair!

I am missing how this means the schools lose money... their funding is based on how many students they have, correct? So wouldn't they get the same amount of money? Because my kids aren't students now, it's not like they get money for them now, kwim? I must be missing something really obvious. :p I don't get how they lose money? :confused:

*sigh* I'd better shut up before I start ranting... :(

But THANK YOU for the link. I'm off to research and start writing letters and making phone calls. :thumbsup:

As a soon-to-be private schooler I'm going to be (I'm sure) alone in the opinion that that bill shouldn't pass. $2000 isn't even a drop in the bucket for private school tuition and I'd rather see it go to public schools.

Originally posted by fw221
$2000 isn't even a drop in the bucket for private school tuition and I'd rather see it go to public schools.

$2000. is close to 3/4 of what I paid last year when my 3 children went to private catholic school.

As a homeschooler, I think a tax benefit like that would be great. Our property taxes here in NJ are ridiculous and a huge portion of those taxes are to support schools. I know someone who pays almost $10,000 a year on property tax, and sends all 3 of her kids to private schools. Even a little break would be nice.

As a homeschooler, part of me wants to say "Yippee, give me that tax break!"

The other part of me feels that keeping homeschooling/private schooling and the government as far apart as possible is the way to go. How do you have to prove you're homeschooling? What if the "evaluations" a bunch of states accept is not good enough and you need to submit standardized test scores? Some states don't even require that much, but will those families be forced to submit something in order to claim the credit? Once a few people "abuse" the tax credit, who knows what documentation you will need to provide?

In response to the OP though, I don't see how denying or approving the tax credit will affect the public schools much at all...if they are granted $5000 per student per year (and I"m just making up a number, I have no idea what the granted amounts are!), how would that change? The homeschoolers are not going to start saying "Gee, I don't get a tax break, lemme send my kid to school because of it," ya know? Unless they are afraid that more parents will choose to homeschool with that financial incentive? I guess that could be it, though honestly, I don't think they have anything to be afraid of......

Mihcelle

Originally posted by JodiM
$2000. is close to 3/4 of what I paid last year when my 3 children went to private catholic school.

Wow. :eek: I'd heard that religious schools were less expensive than secular, but good grief. We're looking at $12,500 for pre-K for our one.

Originally posted by fw221
We're looking at $12,500 for pre-K for our one.

:eek:

Michelle

Originally posted by fw221
Wow. :eek: I'd heard that religious schools were less expensive than secular, but good grief. We're looking at $12,500 for pre-K for our one.

OM! WOW That's ALOT!

I know pre-k is more here, and I know our area is reasonable for private schools, but geez!

That's about what my vehicle is worth.

As soon as the deed for our property goes through we will have to pay nearly $1,000 a year in a school tax. We already have to pay for all of our children's education expenses ourselves. I don't think it's right or fair. My children are not and will not be in public schools. Why should I have to pay school taxes when the parents of kids actually attending the schools can avoid the tax by renting and not owning property? :mad: As if I don't pay enough in federal and state taxes already. I am TOTALLY in favor of a tax credit. I already have to submit insane amounts of testing and paperwork (we're in PA) so I don't really care what they want for "proof" LOL I'm sure I already have it together here somewhere. :p But I can see where that would be a concern for parents in less regulated states. I dunno. I just don't think it's right for parents who pay for their children's education to also have to pay for the public schools. Just my two cents. Even if it isn't a drop in the bucket compared to what some pay, at least it's something. :)

Well, we pay about $2500 a yr. for 1st grade and it sure would help us out.

The nerve of that man... :mad: Thanks for standing up for the homeschoolers and private schooled. I appreciate it!

Oh, and Marion, your babies are getting so old! AND cute... :smirk:

if this is the bill i think it is it is a $2000 tax credit-- not individual tax payers get the money. dh says that would mean about $40 less in taxes for us. those at the top of the pay scale would enjoy the biggest benefit. those at the bottom or even in the middle would really not see a difference more then the cost of a pizza or 2...........but those making over $100,000 a year would save much more...........it's really another bill to help out the rich.....so they don't ahev to pay more taxes...........not so helpful for the rest of us.


now....as a family of public school teachers who have 2 kids in private schools there are several issues here......first all homeowners pay taxes and some of the money goes to public schools.......and i'm okay with it...just like i'm okay with welfare and disablity payments and the like.........those things are what make this a great country....even if it is not always run well and there are thsoe that abuse the system..........overall we are supposed to be a nation that takes care of her people.

also most public schools get the majority of their moneys from STATE funds not federal...so even if it were a $2000 voucher from federal funds it really would not effect the funding that public schools get. PLUS there are only a few families who would really see the $2000 as the difference between public and private....some public school teachers see vouchers and tax credits to those not in public schools as a slap in the face to public school teachers............i see it as a personal choice.

and i really don't want homeschoolers to have to 'prove' anymore then they already do-----and less would be great-------because those are other things that make this country great........a few more freedoms.

just my 2cents:)

This is very similar to the voucher movement. Voucher proponents want the government to give vouchers to parents, who can then 'spend' that voucher wherever they want. Public school, parochial school, private school, homeschool.

Public schools are against vouchers, in large part because many parents would take the voucher money and apply it toward private/parochial school tuition, and in some cases, homeschooling expenses. In our city, most parents would apply it toward parochial school tuition. Then the public school 'loses' money. Right now, because there is no voucher system, the public schools are given funds based on how many school-aged children reside in their district. In Philadelphia, that is a lot more children than actually attend the Philadelphia public schools--subsequently, the schools have more money for fewer children. If vouchers come into play, they will lose some of that money and only be paid based on how many children actual attend their schools.

It's also similar in this way to charter schools. In our district, charter schools (including cyber charters used by a lot of homeschoolers) take away money from regular public schools. Because a charter school is public, they receive funds--but they receive funds directly from the school district based on the children who attend their school. In other words, if I enrolled Sam in a cyber charter school, the Philadelphia district would have to pay the cyber charter their cost of his enrollment. And since Sam doesn't attend public school right now (even though I am paying taxes like he is), the public school would see that as a loss of money. Clear as mud?

Tara

Originally posted by fw221
Wow. :eek: I'd heard that religious schools were less expensive than secular, but good grief. We're looking at $12,500 for pre-K for our one.

We pay $4,000 for 2 in Catholic school here in IL (which is pretty reasonable in our area. We do already have some kind of a tax credit (I can't remember how it works at the moment)

The most expensive Catholic high school here is around $14,500 per student per year :eek:

I've always said that I wouldn't take homeschooling voucher money. I don't want the strings that will come along with it. They may not ask for anything at first, but eventually they will want to control how I use the money.

I"m not sure about a federal tax credit. They federal government doesn't regulate my homeschooling but I guess they could require some type of "proof" that I"m homeschooling. I'd have to think about if we'd take the credit or not.

Here in Texas we have LOTS of homeschooling freedom. The state doesn't even know that my kids should be in school. No registering them, evaluations, or anything. Very nice!

I also think that it is fine for my taxes to go to educating the rest of the kids. Everyone deserves a chance to educate themselves.

Originally posted by fw221
As a soon-to-be private schooler I'm going to be (I'm sure) alone in the opinion that that bill shouldn't pass. $2000 isn't even a drop in the bucket for private school tuition and I'd rather see it go to public schools.

Ah, but sending her to private schools frees you up to work. The majority of us homeschoolers have to give up a second income AND foot the education bill. Plus, I don't see how a tax credit would take away from schools money. It isn't a voucher.

I won't take voucher money either, but I would take a tax deduction or credit. If it is an actual CREDIT, it would mean $2,000 off your taxes. I think the mama above meant that if it is a DEDUCTION it would only save you $40.

To answer another question, to claim yourself as a homeschooler, I'm assuming you would just have to be following your state's homeschooling laws. In our state, you have to register a "intent to homeschool" form when your child is 8 and do a yearly test (only you see the scores, no one else). I think that would count you then as someone that could take the deduction.

In our state, teachers get to deduct anything that they spend of their own money for classroom supplies. I think I, as a homeschooler, should get the same benefit.

Originally posted by elfmaker
if this is the bill i think it is it is a $2000 tax credit-- not individual tax payers get the money. dh says that would mean about $40 less in taxes for us. those at the top of the pay scale would enjoy the biggest benefit. those at the bottom or even in the middle would really not see a difference more then the cost of a pizza or 2...........but those making over $100,000 a year would save much more...........it's really another bill to help out the rich.....so they don't ahev to pay more taxes...........not so helpful for the rest of us.

Ah, yes... the Republicans are in power right now, so this bill would help my family, not the people who could really use it. :rolleyes:

Originally posted by Arasmama
Ah, but sending her to private schools frees you up to work.

Actually, I'm going to work so that she can go to private school. :) Much as I've enjoyed staying at home for the last 6 months, Lydia is ready to learn and I am not a teacher.

Originally posted by JodiM
$2000. is close to 3/4 of what I paid last year when my 3 children went to private catholic school.

$2000 nearly covers Ryan's entire parochial (catholic) school tuition ($2600 per year). Parents should choose their child's education, including funding for it!

but like others I wonder what strings are attached. Here in CO I have to register my intent to hs when ds is 7. We will be going under an umbrella school to handle that "state" biz and keep our hs'ing our biz. If there are any of you interested a friend runs an umbrella school that a lot of our co-op members use called
http://www.spiralacademy.org/
We use some of thier services now and will use them fully in the future.

Well, my kids are private school but I think this is a bad thing.
I am thinking of the community. Any money taken away from a already struggling public school system is not good. I want all kids to get a good education, not just mine, so I don't mind my tax money working towards that.


Actually, of all the ways I would like to see tax dollars spent public school is one of the top one. A well funded sucessful public school is good for everyone in a community.

I'm wondering why people equate a tax credit with taking money from schools or "people who need it"? Why am I imagining the government having less money to buy bombs? Or lowering corporate welfare?

Here they use property tax and federal funds to pay for public education. Lowering what you pay in state income tax wouldn't have anything to do with that. Although, we don't have a state income tax.

Of course, I am in the small percentage of people that thinks public schools have plenty of money, they just spend it stupidly - some by force, some by choice. If the government would take their hand out of schooling and let schools make their own choices and policies, just allot them their money, like they use to do before Sputnik, I think schools would be MUCH better off.

Actually, I'm going to work so that she can go to private school. :)

But it still frees you up to work to pay for it. Unfortunately, homeschooling frees us up to travel and spend time together, but not to work to pay for it.

Much as I've enjoyed staying at home for the last 6 months, Lydia is ready to learn and I am not a teacher.

That is a whole different thread ;)

Originally posted by arasmama

Much as I've enjoyed staying at home for the last 6 months, Lydia is ready to learn and I am not a teacher.

That is a whole different thread ;) [/B]

indeed it is. <<<<<< sitting on hands.

Originally posted by harvestgirl
indeed it is. <<<<<< sitting on hands.


Mmm hmm! :p

Originally posted by arasmama
I'm wondering why people equate a tax credit with taking money from schools or "people who need it"? Why am I imagining the government having less money to buy bombs? Or lowering corporate welfare?



Ideal world. Unfortunately bombs and corporate welfare are not ever going to be the first to suffer. Especially under the current administration.

Originally posted by Ocelot
Ideal world. Unfortunately bombs and corporate welfare are not ever going to be the first to suffer. Especially under the current administration.

Yes, I know. That was me living in my dream world for a few minutes.

I agree w/ what arasmama is saying.

I think those of us who take the responsibility to educate our own children should not, in effect, be punished and penalized for that financially. And I believe I am. I have to pay more taxes in this area than most (and I know that's our fault for choosing to live here) because of the additional "school tax" but IMNSHO in plain stinks that I am forced to contribute more yearly to government schools (and this is NOT factoring in my federal or state or local income taxes - the one I get frustrated w/ is a different, additional tax) than I can afford to spend on my own children's education materials. I hope the credit goes through. :(

Originally posted by Marion
Everyone pays taxes to support public education but why should a homeschooler have to foot the bill for my child? Their child isn't reaping any benefits from the tax money they are paying so why should they get stuck with the bill?

By the same logic, why shouldn't people who are childless, or whos children are too young or too grown up to go to public school "get stuck with the bill"? After all, they don't have children reaping any benefits from the tax money. That would leave only parents with children in public school paying taxes to support public school...

I currently send my kids to private school, and plan on doing that for the rest of their education. I don't think I deserve any type of tax credit for it. I see private schooling as my choice, and if the general public is expected to support public schools through taxes, that includes me.

Although, truth be told, I don't really like the idea of a public eduation system in the first place, and think each parent should be responsible for financing their child's education, not the public...but that's a different topic all together :)

In our state, teachers get to deduct anything that they spend of their own money for classroom supplies. I think I, as a homeschooler, should get the same benefit.

That would be awesome. In our state, KY, teachers must spend a certain percentage of their own money before it can be deducted from their classroom before it can be deducted. MY first year of teaching I spent a little over $1000 and it wasn't enough to deduct. :(

[url]http://www.hslda.org/Legislation/State/sc/2004/SCHB4908/default.asp[url] This might help clarify the bill.

Originally posted by SoonToBe4
[url]http://www.hslda.org/Legislation/State/sc/2004/SCHB4908/default.asp[url] This might help clarify the bill.

Ah, now see, I am against that bill. I have no problem helping to pay for public school, I think everyone should. I just want to deduct what I pay for homeschooling to! But not deduct it from my property taxes, just my federal income tax.

eh...when we had our kids in private school and they were trying to pass the $4,000/child voucher thing, I asked the guy in charge of fund raising what the school would do...I mean, aren't all private schools just going to raise their tuition by $4,000? He just looked at me, smiled and nodded. It's only been in the last 5 years that SD schools have skyrocketed, over priced private schools both religious and secular. That's to keep the riff raff out whether vouchers go through or not.

:rolleyes:

Originally posted by fw221

Much as I've enjoyed staying at home for the last 6 months, Lydia is ready to learn and I am not a teacher.

Ahhh yes...a whole other thread indeed! Learning all the time, learning all the time :D

Originally posted by arasmama
Ah, now see, I am against that bill. I have no problem helping to pay for public school, I think everyone should. I just want to deduct what I pay for homeschooling to! But not deduct it from my property taxes, just my federal income tax.

Well, I agree with you. You should be able to deduct homeschooling expenses.