Note: Following is an encapsulation of actions taken and remarks made by legislators during today's debate. While this note does reflect remarks made by these lawmakers, it is not a full and verbatim transcript of the remarks.
Rep. Gene Pinson's Amendment 28 would restrict members of the General Assembly from participating in the tax deduction provided by this legislation.
Pinson: We should set the standard for these programs. We should not participate, if we serve in the General Assembly, for four years in this program. We're going to show the public what an ethical body we are.
Rep. Phillip Lowe moved to table; Pinson requested roll call.
Vote: 53-59, refused to table.
On a voice vote, the amendment was adopted.
Showing posts with label Gene Pinson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gene Pinson. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Brannan's Amendment 10 tabled
Note: Following is an encapsulation of actions taken and remarks made by legislators during today's debate. While this note does reflect remarks made by these lawmakers, it is not a full and verbatim transcript of the remarks.
Amendments 4 through 9 are passed over; Amendment 10 is explained by Rep. Doug Brannon.
Brannon: Pointless, but this amendment deal with transparency and accountability. Every independent school accepting grants shall undergo an audit and report to the Education Oversight Committee. If they're going to take state money, they should tell what they're doing with it.
Rep. Seth Whipper: They're taking state money?
Brannon: They're private, nonprofit organizations handing out money that would have come to the state.
Whipper: But the money doesn't come from the state.
Brannon: Corporations can contribute money to an SGO and save up to 65 percent of their state tax obligation. Rather than pay taxes, they can reduce their bill by giving money to an SGO.
---
Whipper: What state standards for anything are involved in this bill?
Brannon: You saw that Rep. Anthony's amendment to create some standards was just shot down. I'm just trying to account for money.
Rep. Bill Herbkersman: Let's talk about state money. It's taxpayer money. If you contribute money to your church, that's tax deductible. You wouldn't tell me not to give to the cancer society because it takes money away from the state, would you? But you would for giving money for school choice?
Brannon: We're dealing with education here. These organizations should be accountable.
Herbkersman: But it's not state money, it's taxpayer money.
Rep. Gene Pinson: Who can argue that we should oppose transparency or accountability?
Bedingfield moved to table, Brannon asked for roll call.
Vote: 69-48, tabled.
Amendments 4 through 9 are passed over; Amendment 10 is explained by Rep. Doug Brannon.
Brannon: Pointless, but this amendment deal with transparency and accountability. Every independent school accepting grants shall undergo an audit and report to the Education Oversight Committee. If they're going to take state money, they should tell what they're doing with it.
Rep. Seth Whipper: They're taking state money?
Brannon: They're private, nonprofit organizations handing out money that would have come to the state.
Whipper: But the money doesn't come from the state.
Brannon: Corporations can contribute money to an SGO and save up to 65 percent of their state tax obligation. Rather than pay taxes, they can reduce their bill by giving money to an SGO.
---
Whipper: What state standards for anything are involved in this bill?
Brannon: You saw that Rep. Anthony's amendment to create some standards was just shot down. I'm just trying to account for money.
Rep. Bill Herbkersman: Let's talk about state money. It's taxpayer money. If you contribute money to your church, that's tax deductible. You wouldn't tell me not to give to the cancer society because it takes money away from the state, would you? But you would for giving money for school choice?
Brannon: We're dealing with education here. These organizations should be accountable.
Herbkersman: But it's not state money, it's taxpayer money.
Rep. Gene Pinson: Who can argue that we should oppose transparency or accountability?
Bedingfield moved to table, Brannon asked for roll call.
Vote: 69-48, tabled.
Anthony's amendment 2 is debated
Note: Following is an encapsulation of actions taken and remarks made by legislators during today's debate. While this note does reflect remarks made by these lawmakers, it is not a full and verbatim transcript of the remarks.
Rep. Gene Pinson, debating Amendment 2 by Rep. Mike Anthony, asked if there's another measurement to use besides the PASS test.
Anthony: Each state has to declare a state test. We've declared the PASS test is our test. If you're going to take state money, it's fair to take a state test.
Rep. Jackie Hayes: We have no problem with children attending any school their parents want them to attend. When we're talking about state funds, we want everyone on the same page.
Anthony: This goes way back to 2003, Put Parents In Charge. Then, tax credits. This is the ultra, ultra light of all the voucher bills that have come before us.
Hayes: In your tenure, have your constituents asked you for a tax credit?
Anthony: Yes, we have a Christian day school; those are the parents who have asked for it. But we have 700,000 children in our public schools who take the PASS test. If these folks were willing to take this test, we'd be more comfortable.
Hayes: Would this give every student a chance to go to a private school?
Anthony: They'd always have to be accepted. It doesn't guarantee any physically or mentally handicapped kids would go to a private school.
Rep. Gene Pinson, debating Amendment 2 by Rep. Mike Anthony, asked if there's another measurement to use besides the PASS test.
Anthony: Each state has to declare a state test. We've declared the PASS test is our test. If you're going to take state money, it's fair to take a state test.
Rep. Jackie Hayes: We have no problem with children attending any school their parents want them to attend. When we're talking about state funds, we want everyone on the same page.
Anthony: This goes way back to 2003, Put Parents In Charge. Then, tax credits. This is the ultra, ultra light of all the voucher bills that have come before us.
Hayes: In your tenure, have your constituents asked you for a tax credit?
Anthony: Yes, we have a Christian day school; those are the parents who have asked for it. But we have 700,000 children in our public schools who take the PASS test. If these folks were willing to take this test, we'd be more comfortable.
Hayes: Would this give every student a chance to go to a private school?
Anthony: They'd always have to be accepted. It doesn't guarantee any physically or mentally handicapped kids would go to a private school.
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