LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - The Arkansas Senate has approved a $3 million proposal to turn tax credits into scholarships for private schools.
The Senate voted 21-10 on Thursday for the bill, which would create an income tax credit for contributions to approved organizations that award scholarships to private K-12 schools. The scholarships would go toward low-income or disabled students, as well as foster children or children of Armed Forces members. The bill now heads to the House.
Opponents say the measure is effectively a voucher program directing state money to private schools.
The proposal comes as another measure to fund a $3.5 million voucher pilot program in Pulaski County is pending before a Senate committee. Gov. Asa Hutchinson says he prefers that measure, but supports either bill.
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