Oklahoma’s Catholic bishops today commended members of the state legislature on the final passage of Senate Bill 1080, which increases the available tax credits for the Equal Opportunity Scholarship program from its current $5 million cap to $50 million. Gov. Stitt is expected to sign the bill into law in the coming days.

The Equal Opportunity Scholarship Program is designed to help low- and middle-income families send their children to private schools that better accommodate their unique educational needs. Two-thirds of Opportunity Scholarships go to students with incomes at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. Numerous private schools around the state cater to these economically disadvantages students along with other particular challenges including autism, homelessness, troubled youth and others.

In addition to increasing scholarships for private schools, SB 1080 will allow for more direct private donations to public schools, which also qualify for the tax credit.

Archbishop Paul S. Coakley extolled the impact of the bill on greater opportunities for Oklahoma families.

“This is a momentous day for young people and families in the State of Oklahoma. Passage of this legislation will open up educational opportunities for students and enhance the lives of thousands of Oklahoma children, especially young people who need specialized learning strategies. I am grateful for the legislature’s commitment to providing greater access to quality education in our state for generations to come.”

With expanded tax credits in place, both the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City and the Diocese of Tulsa & Eastern Oklahoma will aggressively pursue growth of existing Catholic schools.

Bishop David Konderla detailed, “I want to express my gratitude to the Oklahoma legislature for expanding the Opportunity Scholarship Program. This program will not only offer further options to parents, who are the primary educators, when choosing the school that will best fit the educational needs of their children but will also provide our Catholic schools with opportunities to further serve the needs of our community.”