From Deseret News archives:
Tuition tax benefits disputed
Some indicated Utah actually could end up "subsidizing people who would have already gone" to public schools regardless of a tuition tax credit, said Pam Perlich, senior research economist at the University of Utah's Bureau of Economic and Business Research.
Monday's meeting to discuss the new findings comes two weeks before the 2005 Legislature opens its session. Tuition tax credits is expected to be one of the hottest political fights, with a state-funded USU study and the study reviewers' dissenting opinions likely to be in the middle of it.
The State Office of Education did not invite to the meeting the USU study's authors, political science professor Roberta Herzberg and Chris Fawson, economics professor and vice provost for academic and international affairs. Spokesman Mark Peterson noted the pair addressed the State Board of Education last month.
Herzberg lamented not being able to participate in an academic discussion with the review group, but wasn't surprised.
Tuition tax credits have come before the Legislature four consecutive years. Debates have been controversial. Public school officials decry tuition tax credits philosophically and because they fear they would drain money for schools. School choice advocates believe they will empower parents, reduce class size and save state dollars.
Legislators last year set aside $150,000 for a neutral study of the economic impacts. Herzberg and Fawson got the contract for a little less, and presented findings at a Legislative Management Committee last November.
They told lawmakers tuition tax credits of either $1,000 or $2,000, as sought in last year's bill, under several scenarios would likely save the state money.
But numbers in the study appeared odd to Associate State Superintendent Patrick Ogden. He invited economists and finance experts to review the study, for free.
"We're looking at this with an open mind, but a skeptical eye," Ogden said. "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And this sounds too good to be true."
Comments
- Pakistan: 5 U.S. have al-Qaida link 8:00 a.m.
- Defense Sec. Gates arrives in Iraq 8:00 a.m.
- Russian nightclub fire toll at 136 7:58 a.m.
- 1 dead, 12 injured in Chicago fire 7:46 a.m.
- Stocks rally trade deficit, jobs data 7:46 a.m.
- 'Candid' talks with North Korea 7:38 a.m.
- Frigid temps follow Midwest snow 7:34 a.m.
- Gay-friendly curriculum phased out 7:32 a.m.
- Everton seeks Donovan on loan 7:27 a.m.
- Debating Wall Street regulations 7:26 a.m.
- Crash landing next to I-15
- Hot Rod behind mic for Lakers
- Palin signs books, chats with fans
- Psychologist: Mitchell schizophrenic
- Panel passes BCS playoff bill
- Max Hall wants to look ahead
- Cougars use depth to beat ASU
- Non-BCS schools not given fair shot
- Jazz go up against 'the best'
- Many seek to wipe clean misdeeds
- Letters: Global warming a lie
230 - TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl
206 - BYU football: Bronco weighs in on Hall
184 - Cougars going back to Vegas
150 - Utah/BYU rivalry can be more civil
147 - Andersen apologizes for Jordan hoax
138 - Max Hall wants to look ahead
120 - Palin signs books, chats with fans
104 - Revive full food tax?
100 - Yet again, we learn BCS is a big joke
94
Love him or hate him, Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch knows how to get attention.
My wife Lisa and I would prefer never to argue. But that's not going to...
For the latest news in the health care debate and how it affects you...
science in a paragraph. When I want to know serious science, I go to the...
I know why sloan doesn't want to call timeout during the game because he...
NYer, You are right about taxes never going away except for one...
yes, Our system doesn't work like that, as much as you would like it to. Too...
Roads are a proper role of government, education should be private.
When Mr. Gore finally realizes that a telephone call would save hundreds, if...
To everyone, is a huge deal. If you are in teh way of giving a person health...
Did they have a class at BYU for you on this yet?. Global Warming. A Case Of...
Who are you talking about? Oh, that's right nobody.
To "Stalwart Sentinel | 4:53 p.m. " I have clearly listed facts. Glenn Beck...



You can be the first to comment on this story.