Florida Passes Bill Giving Insurance Firms Credit for School Vouchers

A bill to strengthen a private school voucher program for children from low-income families is going to Florida Gov. Charlie Crist.

The measure would give insurance companies dollar-for-dollar credits against premium taxes for donations made to the program.

Businesses now get a similar corporate income tax credit for their contributions.

The bill (HB 453) is expected to increase funding for the program that spent $73.5 million in the last school year. It would remain capped, though, at $118 million a year.

The Senate voted 26-11 for the bill that previously passed the House.

Supporters say the program saves the state money, but opponents argue it takes dollars away from public schools.