Page 13: Tax Credits, continued

Tuition tax credits literally save the taxpayers millions of dollars by preserving cost-effective, quality schools. It is estimated that 10 – 15 Catholic schools in the Diocese of Pittsburgh alone were kept from closing due to the influx of tax credit tuition assistance. If these students were forced to attend public schools, it would be devastating to many public school district budgets.

It is clear from Pennsylvania that corporate tax credits are truly the salvation for many Catholic schools. Demographics will still cause many Catholic schools to close or merge, but with the significant financial aid provided by tax credits, the future looks bright. The trick now is to form coalitions in every state and begin to lobby for a tax credit law similar to Pennsylvania’s. There is also the potential for a federal tax credit law which would further enhance the chances of preserving and promoting Catholic education. Corporate tax credits appear to provide the answer to the age old argument regarding this ability of parents to fully choose the school they believe is best for their child.

Dr. Ronald T. Bowes is the Assistant Superintendent for Public Policy and Development for the Diocese of Pittsburgh. For over a decade he fought for school choice in Pennsylvania and was a charter member of the Road To Educational Achievement Through Choice (REACH) Alliance. In 2004 he was honored by the National Catholic Education Association at their convention in Boston for his work in the parental choice area.

Dr. Bowes has written hundreds of articles on educational reform and other topics and recently made a presentation at Oxford University in England.

He hosts a weekly radio program called Education Plus and is a former President of Duquesne University’s Alumni Association. In 1983 he was inducted into the Century Club of Distinguished Graduates of Duquesne University.

Dr. Bowes also serves as Athletic Director for the Diocese and has produced a video for Catholic school coaches’ accreditation and another video addressing the responsibility of Catholic school parents to good sportsmanship.