by David Safier
Yesterday I noted two important errors in an article by Alexis Huicochea in the Star about school tax credits, and I recommended corrections. She incorrectly stated private school tax credit contributions end Friday. Wrong. A new piece of legislation kept them open until April 15 but didn't change the deadline for public schools (Any questions about Republicans' love of private over public schools?). And she wrote, "In the case of private schools, contributions provide tuition assistance for financially needy students." The clear implication, that the scholarships have to be needs based, is incorrect. Millionaires' kids can go to private school free on tuition tax credit contributions.
I emailed my post to Huicochea and didn't receive a response, nor did I see a correction on line or in the paper.
But the Star made a tacit correction in today's editorial. It recommended everyone make a public school tax credit contribution (THAT MEANS YOU, SLACKER! [if you haven't already]). In a sidebar, it mentioned you can give a private school donation as well, but . . .
We're less enthusiastic about these donations because they can be used for children of well-to-do families, as well as to help needy students.
The deadline is April 15, and you can apply the credit to your tax returns for either 2010 or 2011, according to the Arizona Department of Revenue.
That's the closest to a correction — or an acknowledgement — as I'm likely to get. I accept. You're welcome.