OREGON HOUSE REPUBLICANS

REP. WINGARD, REPUBLICANS SEEK TO EXPAND SCHOOL CHOICE,

EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES FOR OREGON’S KIDS

SALEM—Rep. Matt Wingard (R-Wilsonville) joined Oregon families Wednesday in calling for new educational opportunities for Oregon kids. They urged the House Education Committee to approve the Rose Friedman Educational Opportunity Tax Credit Act (HB 2754) to provide tax credits and opportunity scholarships to make public, private and homeschool education more affordable for families throughout the state.

“HB 2754 will help every family in Oregon that is spending money to educate our future citizens,” Rep. Wingard said. “Oregon has been slow to embrace a number of policies that have unleashed the creativity and passion of educators in other states. By simply believing in the power of choice, we can improve the lives of tens of thousands of children in Oregon.”

HB 2754 creates a personal tax credit of $1,000 per child for any educational expenses incurred by public, private and homeschool parents. The tax credit can used to pay for educational expenses such as school supplies, technology, tutoring and tuition. While this tax credit helps all Oregon families, it especially benefits low-income families who are struggling to help their children succeed in school.

“There is a hidden cost to public education born disproportionately by low-income parents,” Rep. Wingard said. “HB 2754 will ensure that our most vulnerable children in Oregon get the high-quality education they deserve.”

The bill also creates an opportunity tax credit for donations made to tuition scholarship organizations that provide scholarships to low-income students and students with disabilities. It gives taxpayers and businesses new incentives to help disadvantaged children learn and compete in a global economy.

“The opportunity tax credit has the potential to generate millions of new private-sector investment in education,” Rep. Wingard said. “By passing HB 2754, Oregon would join other states that provide personal and corporate tax credits to expand educational opportunities for low-income students and students with disabilities.”

The bill is named in honor of Rose Friedman, wife of Nobel-winning economist Milton Friedman, both of whom championed school choice and greater educational opportunities. Rose grew up in Portland.  Rep. Wingard chief-sponsored the bill along with 24 House and Senate Republican co-sponsors.

To view video of Rep. Wingard’s opening statement, click here.

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