COLUMBUS, Ohio, April 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Senate Bill 88 passed the Ohio Senate Ways and Means and Economic Development Committee by a bipartisan 6-2 vote this morning. The bill would create a dollar-for-dollar tax credit for individuals and businesses that donate to non-profit scholarship organizations that provide scholarships for students to attend private schools.

"This tax credit scholarship will help parents across Ohio to find the school that is right for their child," said School Choice Ohio Executive Director Chad Aldis. "With Senate Bill 88 passing out of committee today, we are one step closer to creating broader scholarship eligibility in Ohio."

"No child should be left behind. That's all there is to it. And too many kids are being left behind, including my own two children." said Columbus parent Tia Rhodes-Washington, who testified today in support of the bill. "That is why I support the tax credit scholarship program. It would allow families like mine to access scholarships based on our income."

The bill would make scholarships available for up to $4,250 for grades K-8 and up to $7,000 for high school. Eligibility would be based on income, and it is estimated that approximately 4,000 to 5,000 scholarships would be available.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Kris Jordan, must still gain the approval of the full Senate and the Ohio House. If the bill is approved and becomes law, Ohio would join Pennsylvania, Indiana, and five other states in providing its citizens with the opportunity to receive scholarships through the use of tax credits.

For more information about Ohio's school choice options, visit www.scohio.org.

About School Choice Ohio

School Choice Ohio (SCO) is committed to the goal of every child in Ohio having access to a quality education. Because this is not yet a reality, the organization works tirelessly to educate both the public and our leaders on the importance of empowering parents to find the best educational setting for the needs of their children. SCO believes that all parents should have the opportunity to choose which school is best for their children, regardless of their income level.

SOURCE School Choice Ohio