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Edwards files bill to grant tax credit to home-school families

Sen. Chuck Edwards poses with homeschool parents Denise and Andrew Riddle, Abigail Riddle (grade 7), Leah Fibraio (grade 10), Chloe Byrd (grade 9), Abigail Byrd (grade 10), Lillian Riddle (grade 9), Alicia Riddle (grade 2), and Ella Riddle (grade 12).

By Lightning Reports, Published: March 16, 2021

State Sen. Chuck Edwards is seeking legislation to give tax credits to home-school families.

Along with co-sponsors Ralph Hise (R-Mitchell) and Vickie Sawyer (R-Iredell), Edwards filed the Homeschool Tax Credit this week. If signed into law, the bill would provide families a tax credit of $1,000 for every homeschooled student that meets all state home school requirements.
“Families of homeschooled students have been left out of the conversation of education funding for far too long,” Edwards said. “It’s one more option for parents who want to be profoundly engaged and personally invested in the success of their children. COVID-19 has added more emphasis on the need for families to become involved in education at home. When a child is educated at home, the state avoids tremendous costs for school construction and operation. These families also pay taxes, and it’s only fair that a portion of their tax dollars is returned to help offset their expenses.”
Sawyer added: “Families who choose to educate their children at home sacrifice both time and money in an effort to provide the best future for their children. This legislation serves to recognize their efforts.”
According to state statistics, the total statewide number of home schools is 94,863 with an enrollment of 149,173 students. Henderson County has 1,359 home schoo while Transylvania has 408 and Polk has 217.