If you're a parent, You could soon get some extra cash from the state. Governor Mark Sanford wants to give you a tax credit on your child's education. Last month, Sanford unveiled his "Putting Parents in Charge" Act.

The act gives parents who qualify a tax credit to use towards private or public schools. The governor says he wants to put parents in control of their child's education.

State Superintendent Inez Tenenbaum does not support the proposed act. The debate over educational tax credits tops our school report tonight. Some parents support the idea of a tax credit for a student's education others are against it.

An educational tax credit for parents ask any parent they'll have an opinion... "My child is more important than money," said Hanahan Elementary Parent Robin Kenebel. You'll get an answer, whether in favor or not.

The governor’s proposed tax credit would give parents who qualify (visit website listed below for all of the requirements) the choice and money to pay for a private or public education.

Count on Two's education analyst Rob New explains the benefits.

"There are certainly a lot of pros when it comes to the governor’s proposed tax credit. If you have a child that’s in private school and you meet the qualifications the credit can help your student… if a parent has a child who attends a failing public school and they want to try out a public school that could possibly provide a better from of education, the credit will come in handy," said Count on Two’s Education Analyst Rob New.

However for some parents, like Robin Kenebel see the credit as another form of a school voucher.

"I think that the tax credit will hurt the public school system…taking public dollars and encouraging parents to place children in public schools…what kind of message are we sending to our educators," said Kenebel.

New says whether it's a voucher or tax credit, parents must ask themselves one question.

"The bottom line question is do you support public schools or not? The tax credit will affect a public school that’s why a lot of educators are simply not in favor of the idea. However on the other side some lawmakers feel that is a great idea, provide middle class parents with the choice of where they want to send their children for the best education," said New.

As for Kenbel, she says she see both sides of the argument, however chooses to support her school , a public school that she says works hard to educate her young student.

"I think it really depends on the parent and they way they view their child’s school whether public or private… Hanahan Elementary is an excellent school with excellent teachers and I would not want money to leave this public system that funds this school…we’re happy with our public school," said Kenebel.

For more information on Governor Mark Sandford’s "Putting Parents First Act please log on to South Carolina's Governor's Website.

On Wednesday March 30, 2004 a study will be released on the financial impact of the governor’s "Put parents in Charge act", and how the tax credit could affect taxpayers.

Count on Two to keep you updated on this story.