House File 1787: Repeal of homeschool tax credit

Sponsor:
Representative Mindy Greiling (DFL)

Summary:

Unlike most states, Minnesota currently provides a tax credit for low income families with children in private or homeschools, and a tax deduction for families who make more money. This is a real benefit for families, but it provides a tempting target for legislators who want to regulate private education. House File 1787 would force every school that accepts a child from a family that plans to take a tax credit or tax deduction to make several changes.

(1) The school would have to comply with the state's high school graduation requirements, instead of the school's own standards.

(2) The state would restrict the school's ability to expel students and would regulate the school's control over which courses the students can take.

(3) Schools would be required to perform criminal background checks on school employees.

Status:

02/02/2004		Introduction and First Reading, Referred to Education Policy
02/11/2004		HSLDA has been informed that this bill is not going to move in committee or on the floor of the House. It is essentially dead.

Action Requested:
No action as we await a response from Rep. Greiling, the sponsor of this legislation.

HSLDA's Position:
Oppose! This bill appears to be a straightforward attack on private school freedom. To the best of our knowledge, there are no specific problems in current law that support the proposed changes. Whether or not your family currently takes advantage of these tax breaks, this bill is a slap in the face to every Minnesota family that spends their own money to educate their own children. It must be defeated.

Other Resources

Feb-13-2004 — Homeschoolers Respond-Will the Sponsor?

Bill Text