Coalition for Kids

We invite you to contact Sen. Tom Bakk to ask for support for the "Equity and Opportunity in Education Tax Credit."  Here is a sample letter and list of key phrases to assist you with your efforts to supprt the PASSING of  this important piece of legislation for students living in poverty. Help us get a hearing for  Senate File #516!

The Coalition for Kids (CFK) was formed by MISF to manage state-wide activities focused on passing tax credit legislation that supports economically disadvantaged students in Minnesota’s public and private schools. The “Equity and Opportunity in Education Tax Credit” bill proposes tax credit incentives for corporations and individuals that make contributions to K-12 schools or to educational improvement organizations delivering programs to low-income students in the state. Only those students who meet federal poverty guidelines may qualify.

Membership in the Coalition for Kids includes both public and nonpublic education associations and organizations. Public school students, through the foundation set up by the district, will benefit by gaining access to tutors and other programs that provide the extra support necessary to improve academic achievement and graduate from high school. In most situations, these students are unable to afford these important support programs. Nonpublic students in the state will be provided with tuition assistance in the form of need-based scholarships. The need-based scholarships help these students remain in the school that best meets their academic needs as determined by their family.

As a result of the tax credit incentives, educational improvement organizations will be positioned to expand offerings to low income students and schools.  Educational improvement organizations include non-profit education and community centers.

Corporations and individuals supporting the program will receive a tax credit equal to 80% of their contribution to qualified schools and educational improvement organizations. This tax credit will reduce the tax liability listed on the donors corporate or individual Minnesota State Income Tax Return. Specific limits have been proposed to set a cap on the amount of the contribution an individual or corporation may make. Both donors and the organizations seeking funds to support Minnesota’s students living in poverty must register with the state to participate in the program.

A similar program is in operation in Pennsylvania. Over the past six years, the program has more than doubled in size. In 2007, $75 million in contributions were made to qualified schools and organizations supporting low-income students. In Arizona, this legislation has changed education funding significantly. Over $98.1 million was contributed in 2007 by 287,000 businesses and individuals to schools and programs serving low income students. 

Please click on the following links to learn more: Tax Credit Law, Frequently Asked Questions, Coalition for Kids Brochure, facts about Minnesota School Choice from the Alliance for School Choice. For more information about the Coalition for Kids and the "Equity and Opportunity in Education Tax Credit," please contact Jim Field, Minnesota's Coalition for Kids coordinator.

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