Committee considers package of bills to support career and technical education — tax credit extension, access rules and reporting changes

Summary

Lawmakers discussed a set of CTE bills: SB 98 would extend the tax credit for donations to CTE centers by five years; SB 99 would change regional agreements and allow some open enrollment into receiving CTE schools; SB 195 would broaden the CTE advisory council duties; SB 294 would require lab fees be covered for students in CTE courses.

A cluster of bills intended to shore up and expand career and technical education (CTE) statewide drew a lengthy hearing on April 15, focusing on an extension of a donor tax credit and several measures intended to improve access, oversight and capital planning for CTE centers.

Senator David Waters, who sponsored several of the bills, told the committee SB 98 would extend a tax‑credit program that provides a credit for donations of equipment, supervision or apprenticeship time to regional CTE centers "for another five years." He said the program has helped CTEs procure expensive equipment and build employer partnerships, citing examples such as donations of lifts from automobile dealers, kits from manufacturers and marine‑trade equipment in the Lakes region.

The tax‑credit extension prompted detailed fiscal and policy questions. Representative McGuire and Representative Popovich asked whether donors receive full tax credits and whether businesses can both deduct donations and claim a business‑profits credit, creating a potential double benefit. Senator…

Committee considers package of bills to support career and technical education — tax credit extension, access rules and reporting changes

Summary

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