By ROB NOVIT Senior writer

The "Put Parents in Charge" legislation will restore parental control of education and improve public school performance, said Randy Page, new president of an organization working to get the legislation approved in the S.C. General Assembly.

"Tax credits can be claimed for tuition for public, independent and home school costs or by contributing to a Scholarship Grant Organization (SG)," said Page, president of South Carolinians for Responsible Government (SCRG).

He addressed members of the Aiken Republican Club meeting Monday.

The proposed legislation, supported by S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford, would allow families with income of up to $75,000 to claim a tuition credit off their income tax obligation. Page estimated an average credit of about $2,900 toward tuition fees. While many low-income families wouldn't get enough tax credit for private school tuition, Page said the SGO structure would provide assistance for them.

Individuals and corporations would be allowed to get tax credits for contributions to any SGO created for the purpose of providing scholarships to students. SGOs could meet the needs of low- and middle-income students, Page said. SGO funds would go directly to receiver schools, while the tuition tax credits would be a reimbursement.

Students already enrolled in private or home-school settings could become eligible for credits in a phase-in process over the next five years, said Page.

"Ultimate accountably is a parent's choice," he said.