Legislature(1997 - 1998)
1997-03-14 House Journal
Full Journal pdf1997-03-14 House Journal Page 0665 HB 194 HOUSE BILL NO. 194 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: 1997-03-14 House Journal Page 0666 HB 194 An Act relating to credits against certain taxes for contributions for educational purposes; and providing for an effective date. was read the first time and referred to the Health, Education & Social Services, State Affairs and Finance Committees. The following fiscal note applies: Fiscal note, Dept. of Revenue, 3/14/97 The Governor's transmittal letter, dated March 13, 1997, appears below: Dear Speaker Phillips: As part of my Alaska Business Investment Incentive Plan to expand the partnership between the state and the private sector, I am submitting this legislation to enhance the existing tax credit for contributions to Alaskas colleges and universities and to expand it to cover contributions to our public elementary and secondary schools. Education is vital to an expanding economy and to preparing Alaskans for good jobs. In todays climate of declining revenues and reduced budgets, it is vital we provide incentives to stimulate increased private contributions for our post-secondary institutions. This initiative will build on the program started several years ago which has generated millions of additional dollars from the private sector to higher education in Alaska. Under current law, taxpayers may claim a credit against several types of state taxes for contributions to eligible Alaska colleges or universities. The credit is capped at $150,000 a year based on $200,000 in contributions. This bill extends the cap on the tax credit by creating a new tier of creditable contributions. Under this new tier of contributions, a taxpayer may claim a credit of 50% of an additional $150,000 of eligible contributions. 1997-03-14 House Journal Page 0667 HB 194 The bill would also establish a new program which provides a tax credit of 50% of contributions up to $100,000 to local school districts for educational support to our primary and secondary schools. This is just one of several proposals I am putting forward where it makes good policy sense to provide incentives which stimulate even greater returns in terms of jobs and economic activity in Alaska. I hope you will give this bill your support. Sincerely, /s/ Tony Knowles Governor **The presence of Representative Hanley was noted.