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Utah Senate approves tuition tax-credit bill after hours of heated debate

Utah State Senate · February 4, 2003
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Summary

After an extended floor debate on parental choice, accountability and fiscal impacts, the Utah Senate passed second-substitute Senate Bill 34, a tuition tax-credit measure, 20–8 with one absent; supporters framed it as part of a broader education package, opponents said accountability and access were unresolved.

The Utah State Senate on Feb. 4 passed second-substitute Senate Bill 34, a tuition tax-credit measure that would create tax credits to subsidize private and alternative schooling, after an extended, often emotional floor debate. Sponsor Senator Butters moved final passage and the roll call ended 20 ayes, 8 noes and 1 absence, sending the bill to the House for further consideration.

Senator Butters, the bill’s sponsor, framed the measure as a tool to expand parental choice and to spur innovation in K–12 education. “If our goal is to move K–12 education excellence forward, that you don't have a chance until you return the power, the fiscal power, to the parent,” he said during debate, arguing the measure would create competition…

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