Oklahoma’s Parental Choice Tax Credit program has seen a shift in participation, with more high-income families taking advantage of the tax credits and fewer low-income households participating. The program, which provides families with children in private schools up to $7,500 per student, issued more than 7,100 tax credits to households earning less than $75,000 annually.

Program Expansion

Lawmakers voted to expand the Parental Choice Tax Credit program from $250 million to $275 million, with no income cap, meaning families of any income level can qualify for the tax credit. Supporters of the program argue that it allows parents to direct their tax dollars to the school that best fits their children’s needs.

However, critics argue that the program is not sending money where it’s needed, with only 20% of the tax credits going to families earning less than $75,000 annually. State Rep. Cyndi Munson criticized the program, stating that it prioritizes allocating public dollars to private schools, which could harm the state’s public education system.

Participation Trends

The number of tax credits issued to lower-income families decreased from 7,762 last year to 7,132 this year, a drop of more than 600. In contrast, tax credits for households earning over $250,000 increased from 9,644 last year to 10,639 this year, with these families receiving a $5,000 tax break.

Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.