Minnesota

Existing Programs:

K-12 deduction (1955)
Gives a dollar-for-dollar tax deduction for parents of children attending public or private school, covering tuition and any other educational expenditures.

K-12 tax credit (1997)
Gives a tax credit to parents with children public or private school, that covers school-related expenditures not including tuition.

Legislature Status:

Adjourned; bills carry over to next session.

Pending Legislation:

None.

Summary:

There have been many attempts over the past decade to expand on Minnesota’s private school choice. Governor Tim Pawlenty tried to establish a tax credit scholarship program in 2005. In 2011, the state legislature passed a school voucher program as part of an omnibus education bill, but the legislation was vetoed by Governor Mark Dayton.

At least one of the three candidates for the 2014 GOP gubernatorial nominee -- Dave Thomas -- supports school vouchers.

Get more information on the ALEC education bill introduced in Minnesota in 2013:
The Charter Schools Act (SF 978)

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