Md. Senate approves tax credit for scholarships

Posted: 1:58 pm Wed, March 17, 2010
By Associated Press

ANNAPOLIS — Maryland senators are backing a state income tax credit for businesses that make scholarship donations for private school students.

Senators voted 30-17 Wednesday in support of the legislation. The bill would also give companies the tax credit if they contribute to enrichment programs for public school students or continuing teacher education in both public and nonpublic schools.

The Maryland Catholic Conference has lobbied for the measure. The group’s leaders say it’s timely given the recent announcement that the Archdiocese of Baltimore plans to close 13 Catholic schools.

State legislative staffers say similar legislation exists in several other states, including Pennsylvania, Florida and Arizona.

Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley has endorsed the bill, which could cost the state $50 million a year.