COLUMBIA, S.C. - A coalition of teachers, parents, administrators and school boards says it will fight a proposal in the Legislature that would give tax breaks to parents who send their children to private schools or home school them.

The idea surfaced last spring but stalled in committee. The coalition says the proposal would take money away from public schools, like a "voucher in disguise."

About 75 people gathered at the Statehouse on Thursday, warning that out-of-state organizations will pressure lawmakers next year to create tax credits tied to family income.

Republican Gov. Mark Sanford supports the proposal. His spokesman Will Folks said the governor remains committed to creating tax credits as an option for low-income and middle-class families.

State PTA president Chuck Saylors of Greenville said private and home schools have their purpose, and no one should take away a parents right to choose them.

But "the fight is about keeping public money in public schools," he said.

Larry Watt, director of the South Carolina Independent Schools Association, said his 100-member organization has not taken a position.

"I have not found too many people in independent education circles who are against the idea of giving tax credits," he said, but "we don't want direct state aid going to an independent school."

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Information from: The State, http://www.thestate.com/