Bishops praise N.Y. Gov. Pataki's education tax credit proposal

Published: 2006-01-19

ALBANY, N.Y. (CNS) -- New York's Catholic bishops praised Gov. George E. Pataki's budget proposal to give income tax credits for the education expenses of many families in the state. "The bishops of New York state have made an education tax credit a top priority of their legislative agenda and they are grateful to Gov. Pataki for this action," said Richard E. Barnes, executive director of the New York State Catholic Conference, which represents the bishops in policy matters. The governor laid out the proposal Jan. 17 as part of his proposed $110.7 billion state budget for the 2006-07 fiscal year. It would provide an education credit of up to $500 per child to families with incomes below $90,000 if they live in a school district that includes underachieving schools. If approved, it would provide an estimated $400 million in tax credits in the 2006 tax year. Dennis Poust, the Catholic conference's communications director, said if the Legislature approves the proposal it will be the first time the state will offer a tuition tax credit for parents with children in nonpublic elementary and secondary schools.

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