Statewide Iowa (RI) — Parents who start homeschooling a child would be eligible for a $4000 tax credit under a bill the House Education Committee may consider.
Jeff Pitts, a lobbyist for the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition, says homeschooling parents pay taxes to support the public schools they don’t utilize.
The $4,000 tax credit would be available for each kindergartener who starts out as a homeschooler along with any public or private school student who switches to being taught at home. Homeschool advocates are urging legislators to make the credit available for children already being homeschooled.
Amber Williams of Inspired Life, a Christian organization based in Cedar Falls, says homeschooling families bear the full cost of educating their child.
This year the state’s per pupil spending level is about $8,000 for each public school student as well as for each private school student with a state-funded Education Savings Account. Some parents who homeschool their children are opposed to the bill and would not claim the tax credit if it’s created.
Lauren Gideon is homeschooling five of her children and a spokeswoman for Classical Conversations in Iowa, a Christian homeschooling group. She says the bill creates a wealth redistribution program disguised as a tax credit.
Karen Hebron of Indianola is another homeschooling mom who opposes the bill.
A handful of states, including Illinois and Minnesota, currently offer state income tax credits to parents who homeschool their children.
KIWA Staff Photo
