Republicans introduce tuition tax credit bill

Republicans introduce bill providing tuition tax credit for anyone attending private schools

MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- A Republican-sponsored bill that would give tax credits to parents of students in private schools has been introduced in the Legislature.

The bill introduced on Tuesday comes as negotiations continue behind closed doors to find an alternative to Gov. Scott Walker's school voucher expansion plan.

The tuition tax credit bill is sponsored by Republican Rep. Dean Kaufert of Neenah and Sen. Glenn Grothman of West Bend. Grothman has said the bill could be a viable alternative to Walker's voucher proposal.

The bill would be phased in and eventually offer a $1,500 tax credit for elementary students and a $2,500 credit for those in high school.

Vouchers are worth $6,442 per student.

Walker's plan would expand vouchers to nine new cities beyond Milwaukee and Racine.