TESTIMONY TO THE HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE

HB 884 Income Tax Credit - Nonpublic Education Expenses

POSITION: Oppose

BY: Susan Cochran, President

DATE: February 25, 2014

The League of Women Voters of Maryland strongly opposes HB 884 which would provide for a state income tax credit of up to $1000 per year for expenses related to nonpublic education, including correspondence courses, instruction related materials, textbooks, or workbooks. The credit cannot exceed the parent’s state income tax for the year. If the full allowed amount cannot be deducted in a given year, the excess may be applied as a credit against the income tax in succeeding years until the excess is depleted or five years after the expense was incurred.

The League of Women Voters of Maryland strongly opposes public funding for nonpublic school students. Furthermore, income tax credits are expenditures that take money out of state revenues that are sorely needed for public schools and other state services.

We urge the committee to give an unfavorable report to HB 884.