Republicans Continue School-Choice Focus at Capitol

ST. PAUL (AP) - Republicans are continuing their focus on school choice with a pair of proposals to help more families afford private school.

Sen. David Senjem wants the state to set aside $80 million in tax credits for people and corporations that donate to scholarship funds. The Rochester Republican says 10,000 low-income students and their families could use those scholarships to attend a school of their choice.

Another proposal would let families of children with special needs use their state per-pupil funding for private school tuition or extra tutoring. Senate Minority Leader David Hann says that will cut down on situations where parents and school officials disagree over how best to serve a child.

Many GOP education proposals have centered on choice this year. The bills unveiled Monday have little Democratic support.