Ocean County Leader

Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) has introduced the 'Education Achievement and Opportunity Act' (HR 2097) to aid New Jersey families with the educational expenses of their children. The bill aims to provide tax relief for families choosing Jewish, parochial, and other faith-based schooling options.

"Parents of all faith traditions and economic backgrounds deserve the opportunity to choose and afford the school system that will help their children thrive and learn in the educational setting best suited for them," said Smith. He highlighted the importance of faith-based schools by stating, "Jewish, private, parochial, and religious schools provide world-class instruction and are a vital component of our nation’s school system."

The proposed legislation offers a tax credit of up to $10,000 per child annually to cover tuition and fees for various schooling options through 12th grade. Additionally, up to $1,500 can be allocated for related educational expenses such as computers, software, books, tutoring, and special needs services. The full tax credit is available to individuals earning below $75,000 or couples earning $150,000 or less, with a diminishing credit for income above these limits.

Smith has long advocated for tuition tax credits, recognizing the double financial burden on parents who pay both school tuition and local property taxes. He noted, “The need is great, and we must look for more than one way to help families solve this problem.”

Beyond his bill, Smith supports the Educational Choice for Children Act (HR 817). This legislation seeks to expand educational opportunities by providing tax credits to individuals and businesses that donate to scholarship funds. These scholarships assist families with incomes up to 300% of their area's median income.

Smith commented on the broader educational system, "The public school system was created to serve students, not the other way around," emphasizing the right for children to attend schools that best fit their needs and support their development.