Out-of-state groups push tuition credits

COLUMBIA - Political groups outside of South Carolina are spending money in the state with the goal of the legislature passing a tuition tax-credit bill.

All Children Matter, a Michigan-based group, and Legislative Education Action Drive (LEAD), based in Washington, D.C., have spent thousands here to that end. Both organizations say they plan to continue through the Nov. 2 elections and next year's legislative session.

All Children Matter bought radio commercials before last month's state primary and sent mailers.

Gov. Mark Sanford backed tuition tax credits during his election campaign two years ago. A bill that died in committee in the legislature this year would have given parents income-tax credits for private schools, public schools or for home-school expenses.

Bridgette Reeves says it takes her $14,000 in tuition a year and a daily 138-mile round trip from Lancaster County so her son, Brandon, can go to Glenforest School in Columbia. Brandon has a learning disability, she said.

Reeves says any group pushing for tax credits is a help to children like her son.

Opponents of tax credits say many low-income parents don't make enough money to benefit from the plan. They say the program would take money and resources from public schools.

"This is part of a national school voucher campaign," said Rep. Joel Lourie, D-Richland. "I see it as an attack on public education in our state."