New Law Expands Florida Tax Credit School Voucher Program

Florida's Governor Charlie Crist yesterday signed SB 2126, a bill that dramatically expands Florida's Tax Credit Scholarship Program. (Legislative history.) According to today's Miami Herald, corporations get dollar-for-dollar tax credits for contributions to the voucher program that is open to low-income students. Some 27,700 students now receive vouchers. Under the new law which takes effect July 1, the amount of each voucher will grow over several years from the current $3950 to up to 80% of the state's per pupil funding amount-- $5492 at current levels. Many students use the vouchers at faith-based schools. A spokesman for the program predicted that participation could grow to 70,000 students in five years.