[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 64 (Thursday, May 15, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E940-E941]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HELPING PARENTS EDUCATE THEIR KIDS: THE CHILDREN'S EDUCATION TAX CREDIT

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                          HON. JOSEPH R. PITTS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 15, 1997

  Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, as a parent and a former school teacher, I am 
firmly committed to providing out Nation's children an education which 
will prepare them for their futures. I believe that only by empowering 
parents to do more for their child can our Nation's next generation 
truly thrive.
  That's why I am introducing the Children's Education Tax Credit Act 
today. This bill provides a $450 tax credit per child for education

[[Page E941]]

expenses. The tax credit will apply to all individuals paying for 
textbooks, tuition, and other resources children need to excel in 
school.
  Today, too many Americans are forced to choose between spending a 
little extra on their kid's learning and paying the rent. With the 
children's education tax credit, we can free parents to make the best 
education choices for their children. For decades, American families 
have struggled to make the best education choices because the Federal 
Government taxes them too much. It is vital that we reward investment 
in a child's education and encourage families to control more of their 
own money.
  By letting parents decide how best their education dollars can be 
spent, we begin deferring to local communities and families the crucial 
decisions on how to educate a child. I urge that Members join me in 
fighting for sound education for our Nation's children by supporting 
the Children's Education Tax Credit Act.

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