[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 145 (1999), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 1924]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




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

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES E. ROGAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 4, 1999

  Mr. ROGAN. Mr. Speaker, as the father of two beautiful twin 
daughters, Dana and Claire, I am firmly committed to providing our 
nation's children an education which will prepare them for the future. 
Congress must empower parents to do more for their children so that our 
nation's next generation can truly thrive.
  That's why I am introducing the Children's Education Tax Credit Act 
today. This bill provides a $1,000 tax credit per child for education 
expenses. The tax credit will be given to families who devote their 
hard-earned money to purchase textbooks, supplies, educational computer 
software, tuition, and other resources their children need to excel in 
school.
  Today, an average American family spends about $720 per year on each 
child's learning. Sadly, too many Americans are forced to choose 
between spending a little extra on their kid's learning or paying the 
rent. With the Children's Education Tax Credit, parents can better 
afford to make the best education choices for their children. 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. For the sake of our children, 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.

                          ____________________