Alabama Students Voice Support for Increased Donations to Tax Credit Scholarship Program

Yesterday, scholarship students from across the state descended on the Alabama State House to talk with legislators about Senate Bill 123, a bill that would make minor, yet critical, improvements to the Alabama Tax Credit Scholarship Program.
With the help of the Alabama Opportunity Scholarship Fund, the largest scholarship granting organization (SGO) in Alabama, students from Conecuh Springs Christian School, Cottage Hill Christian School, Lyman Ward Military Academy, Mobile Christian School, and Valliant Cross Academy all spent their mornings talking to members of the Alabama House about their past experiences in failing public schools and how their lives have changed because of the Tax Credit Scholarship Program.
Senate Bill 123, sponsored by Senator Del Marsh, would allow for companies and individuals to donate more of their income tax liability to scholarship granting organizations (SGOs), while also allowing them to claim an additional credit against their Utility Tax. This will make it easier for SGOs to raise money and give scholarships to qualifying students.
During lunch, students also had the opportunity to speak to both the Republican and Democratic caucuses at their respective weekly lunch meetings.
A student from Mobile Christian, Calvin, told members of the Republican caucus that since being at his new school, he is excited about his future. But he also reminded them it takes more than that to be successful. “Its takes more than just a great school. It takes more than a determined Grandma and strong faith. It takes all of these things combined plus opportunity.”
That is what the Tax Credit Scholarship Program represents to all the kids that visited the State House on Wednesday – an opportunity to achieve a better education, and in turn, a brighter future. There are currently over 4,000 students receiving scholarships through the Alabama Program.
Senate Bill 123 has passed the Senate and will be on the House floor next week.

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