(CONCORD) The Josiah Bartlett Center for Public Policy today endorsed School Choice Scholarships for New Hampshire. The School Choice Scholarship Act, HB 1607 and SB 372, would allow New Hampshire businesses a credit for donations to scholarship funds that help parents choose the best school for their children.

“Rich people already have school choice,” said Josiah Bartlett Center President Charlie Arlinghaus. “The School Choice Scholarship Act helps bring that choice to all New Hampshire families.”

The School Choice Scholarship Act would give New Hampshire businesses credit against the Business Profits Tax for donations to organizations that provide scholarships for parents sending their children to independant schools. House Majority Leader D.J. Bettencourt and Senator Jim Forsythe are lead sponsors of the School Choice Scholarship Act, and joined Arlinghaus and other supporters at a press conference in Concord this morning marking National School Choice Week.

The School Choice Scholarship Act is similar to successful programs in Arizona and Iowa, which have been upheld as Constitutional following legal challenges. The legislation is revenue-neutral, since both revenue from the Business Profits Tax and spending on Adequency Grants would be reduced by as much as $15 million in the program’s first year.

“Right now, most New Hampshire families have one choice; the public school chosen for us based on our Zip Code,” Arlinghaus added. “These School Choice Scholarships help more New Hampshire students get the best education possible .”

The House Education Committee holds a public hearing on HB 1607 this afternoon. The Senate Education Committee takes up SB 372 tomorrow.