(AP) – The Arkansas House, including the majority of local Representatives, has defeated House Bill 1222 to allow parents to open tax-exempt savings accounts to defray private education tuitions, as well as giving tax credits for donations to nonprofits managing the
accounts.
Only one local Representative, District 64’s John Payton, voted for the measure. District 83’s Representative David Branscum did not vote. The 47 to 37 vote Thursday, defeating Republican Representative Jim Dotson’s proposal, came after one lawmaker said it was a path to school vouchers.
The measure called for savings accounts worth up to $6,700 per year managed by nonprofit organizations, allowing taxpayers to draw from savings to donate to eligible nonprofits in return for state tax credits to be limited to $3 million
overall after the first year.
The savings could be used for several expenses, including tuition. Democratic Representative John Walker said that would open the door to vouchers.
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