I firmly believe that this can financially help all Catholic, as well as all schools, in Massachusetts. In New York Archbishop / Cardinal Dolan is strongly pushing for this legislation and Archbishop / Cardinal O’Malley in Massachusetts is also strongly in favor of it and for a reason…a potential significant financial benefit for our Catholic schools! In Arizona where they have this legislation the Catholic schools have received more than $125 million in benefit and have been able to offer several thousand scholarships as a result, among other uses of the money.
This differs from “vouchers” and I am asking you to first understand it (be informed), and secondly to get behind it by contacting legislators, the media, or anyone who can help to get this legislation enacted in our state. Many will give you reasons why it can’t be done. It can!
In 2014 I had sent out correspondence to Massachusetts Legislators and others (some 50 people in total) requesting legislation for Education Investment Tax Credits for Schools. This was sent to leadership, local representatives, and those on Education Committees in the state. I am convinced that this will help ALL public, charter, and private schools in the state. Eleven states have passed this form of legislation in a bipartisan manner and it has been under consideration in New York.
The Tax Credit approach allows donors to contribute to a specific school and project. For example: a new science lab for St. Mary’s High School in Westfield, MA. Say that the donor gives $500. When computing their state taxes they can deduct the full $500 after they have calculated their tax due. This differs from taking it as a contribution where a lesser amount, not the full $500, is allowed to be deducted. This gives the taxpayer more incentive to give AND also allows the satisfaction of the donor giving to a specific school and project where they can see their donation being directly used. The Tax Credit approach would draw out MORE money for schools and education than would otherwise be there. The state, schools, and education all benefit. Note the state / locality still receives the full amount of money for schools and education through real estate and other taxes. Also more needed projects get done for schools. The sum total is greater. The state gains…doesn’t lose…by allowing a tax credit.
A Major Reason Why All Taxpayers Should Support This: What if all Catholic Schools closed in Massachusetts?
There are 199 Catholic Schools in the State
There are 61,223 Catholic School students in MA
The Public School cost per per student in MA is $15,592
If all Catholic Schools closed it would cost taxpayers approximately $ 955 million each and every year thereafter or more; about $ 1 billion in taxes each year. For example, over $ 10 billion or more over 10 years.
In addition, physical facilities / schools for 61,000 + students would have to be acquired or built at an estimated cost of $ 3 billion and thereafter maintained, still another major tax burden on all MA taxpayers.
This is why all taxpayers in Massachusetts should support Investment Tax Credits for Catholic Schools.
Over the next several months I am putting forward a major push for legislation for Education Investment Tax Credits for Schools. I ask for your support on this. Talk and write to your legislators. Let’s together accomplish something VERY positive for Massachusetts schools, for taxpayers, and for the State of Massachusetts.
Al DiLascia
