Committee approves Oklahoma Equal Opportunity Education Scholarship Act

The Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday approved a proposal intended to broaden the number of private school scholarships awarded to children from low-income households.

Sen. Dan Newberry, author of Senate Bill 969, said the proposal would establish a tax credit to incentivize greater contributions to scholarship funds.

“As we work to improve our schools, I believe it is important that we also open the door to expanded educational opportunities for children and families,” said Newberry, R-Tulsa. “We want to strengthen the ability of families to direct their child’s education. Expanding freedom of choice can help remove the barriers that keep so many children from reaching their potential.”

Newberry said the measure would authorize tax credits on contributions to scholarships for qualifying low-income and eligible special-needs students.

“We owe it to our students to pursue reforms that give them the greatest opportunity for educational success,” Newberry said. “As we consider those reforms, we cannot forget that our efforts are ultimately about helping children build better lives. I believe this legislation reaffirms our commitment to that goal.”

Senate Bill 969 now advances to the full Senate for consideration.