(DES MOINES)—Today Rep. Dawn Pettengill (R-Mount Auburn) supported amendment H-8483 to Senate File 2380, a bill that dealt with changes to Iowa’s tax credits. The Iowa Senate initially passed the legislation which would cut the cap on the amount of funding that may be allocated for the School Tuition Organization Tax Credits from $7.5 million to $6.7 million. 
 
The School Tuition Organization Tax Credit program helps nonpublic schools raise private money for scholarships to children in low income families. Only students who earn less than three times the federal poverty level qualify for a scholarship. 
 
“All students deserve the very best education and to have the choice to choose what school they attend, regardless of income,” said Pettengill. “This tax credit is vital to numerous children across the state.”
 
In 2009, over 9,600 low income students received scholarships from a School Tuition Organization. Currently, there are 12 School Tuition Organizations with more than 160 schools participating. 
 
The amendment was adopted and the bill will now be sent to the Senate for their consideration.