CONCORD – Today House Republican Leader Gene Chandler (R-Bartlett) offered the following comment in reaction to the Senate action on HB370, a bill that would repeal the Education Opportunity Tax Credit program. The Senate voted to table the bill 13-11.
House Republican Leader Gene Chandler (R-Bartlett)
“I applaud the Senate for taking action to keep the Education Opportunity Tax Credit in place. The Education Opportunity Tax Credit is brand new and should be allowed the chance to prove itself before the legislature attempts to repeal it. Figures contained in the proposed House budget indicate that this program does not cost the State anything, therefore repealing it does not make any financial gain. Secondly, it allows parents to explore and be better able to afford education opportunities they may not otherwise have access to. Why some legislators want to take away this opportunity is beyond me. We need to make sure families have the ability to find the educational programs that best suit their children. I look forward to fighting to keep this program alive so families can share their stories once scholarships are awarded. Education choice should not be limited to wealthy families. We should have a way to lend a helping hand to less fortunate families to have those same opportunities.”