(Columbia) March 3, 2005 - Two groups on either side of the controversial "Put Parents In Charge" act voiced their views in Columbia on Wednesday.

The bill proposed by Governor Mark Sanford would give tax credits to parents to send their children to the schools of their choice.

The South Carolina Policy Council has released a study showing how "Put Parents In Charge" could actually save the state money. Ed McMullen is the president of SC Policy Council, "We're only interested in the facts, in having an honest discussion on the facts, not scare tactics, not paranoia." The study indicates the state would save $471 million over five years if the plan were enacted.

A study released by the South Carolina School Boards Association last month showed school districts would lose an average of $4.1 million in funding.

During a news conference Tuesday, Senate and House Democrats also said the proposal would cost South Carolina too much.

A group called "Choose Children First" formed to oppose the bill and made up of business and community leaders also held a news conference Wednesday at the Municipal Association Building on Gervais Street. They are planning to start running their own statewide TV and radio ads over the next few weeks.

Frank Willis with Choose Children First used strong words to voice his opposition, "The proposal to use public tax dollars to pay for private and religious schools is the most radical and dangerous idea about education since separate but equal."

Last week the bill's sponsor, state Representative Doug Smith, announced changes to the bill, after some lawmakers worried the tax credits would take too much money away from public schools. The new plan reduces the amount of the tax credit for most families. The average middle-income family would get about $2600 to send their child to a private school, charter school, or another public school. A low-income family would get about $3200.

Some legislators who support tax credits for parents sending children to private school don't like part of the bill that lets businesses pay their income tax obligations in scholarships. That has created concerns that lost business tax money would blow a hole in the state's budget.

Lexington Representative Nikki Haley says it's unclear how much money the state would lose under such a plan.

Daniel Island Representative Jim Merrill says he doesn't think enough people will take advantage of the program to hurt the state. But, Merrill says he's willing to consider donor limits and other changes to win support.

Merrill and other supporters say pulling children out of public schools with the tax credits will spur competition and leave money in classrooms to improve schools.

You can tell your lawmakers how you want them to vote on the "Put Parents In Charge" act by contacting them through the State Legislature's web site. You can also voice your opinion on the governor's web site.

The blue section of the phone book contains the state government section. You can use it to find the phone numbers for the House of Representatives, the Senate and the Governor's office.

Updated 6:06pm by Chris Rees