News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | Lawmakers for Affordable Private School for Special Needs
"There's just not in your traditional public schools, the experts, just not the type of funding available to really help kids with disabilities to really reach the level that they can reach," Rep. Jabar Shumate (D - Tulsa) said.OKLAHOMA CITY -- A handful of state lawmakers are trying to find a way to make private schools more affordable for special-needs children and their parents. One suggestion they've come up with is giving tax credits.
This idea came from Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs, a conservative think-tank that studies public policy.
What they're calling for is a school choice tax credit. Companies or individuals make contributions to an agency that gives out scholarship money. That money will then be used by parents of special needs children to fund their children's education in a private school. They want the scholarships set at $5 thousand.
The company or people who make the donation would then get a tax credit for their contribution. The proposal has the backing so far of a few Democratic and Republican lawmakers.
"Oklahoma, like other states, is a state of limited resources, and what we as legislators must do is utilize those limited resources in a way that we can provide the best potential education for every child in Oklahoma," Sen. John Ford (R - Bartlesville) said.
"There's just not in your traditional public schools, the experts, just not the type of funding available to really help kids with disabilities to really reach the level that they can reach," Rep. Jabar Shumate (D - Tulsa) said.
Some parents of special needs children say they have concerns about this. First, they don't think the scholarship amount is enough and some of these kids may lose protections they have in public schools in terms of what the school must provide.
But those parents do say they are open to discussions about the proposal.
Comments Terms of Use: Terms of Use: We welcome your participation in our community. Please keep your comments civil and on point. You must be at least 13 years of age to post comments. In addition, by submitting a comment, you recognize that your comment may be read or discussed on one or more television news broadcasts on NEWS 9 and you consent to any such use. By submitting a comment, you agree to these
Terms of Service
You must be logged in to leave a comment. Login or register See all comments |
University of Oklahoma is trying to encourage students to keep a close eye on what's near and dear to them. Students are learning those lessons through the "Gotcha!" program. More>>
The University of Oklahoma is looking to send more students overseas for its study abroad program thanks to a recent lease by the school. More>>
A small metro community is rallying around one of their own. More>>
A survey given to Oklahoma high school students revealed only one in four could name America's first president. However, one lawmaker said those results were so unbelievable he wanted to do a "retake." More>>
A checklist for college preparations, from high school to secondary ed! More>>
Tips in getting the most out of your test studying! More>>
Helpful tips and advice on protecting yourself from identity theft! More>>
Get good tips on how to keep your kids healthy and fit! More>>
Send your Gary's Hot Shots to Gary England for it to be selected to be seen on NEWS 9.
