With lots of debate going on in Washington about the condition of public education, I was surprised to read this NY Times article earlier this week:
"Do Homeschoolers Deserve a Tax Break? "
I've heard of vouchers for private or charter schools, but not this. And I'm not jumping for joy. Why? Well first of all I don't think it will ever happen, but then after reading the debate around it, I wondered if it was a tax break we'd be willing to take?
One blog I like to read, Spunky Homeschooler, had an intriguing position about it. She basically criticized it because of the risk of "federal intrusion". (i.e. the state requiring testing and more oversight of progress)
I sort of liked HSLDA's position, which was to allow a tax break..... but make it available to ALL families that have "qualifying educational expenses". This makes sense to me, because it would have a cap (like of $500/ yr) and any family could track their expenses, like tutoring, workbooks, that kind of thing. Even when my ds was in public school, I still spent alot of money on "extra" educational things outside of school expenses. (not even close to what we spend now, though).
I already keep track of all of our "qualifying medical expenses" and when I had a home office, I tracked all my "qualifying business expenses". Why shouldnt educational costs be treated similarly, whether a child is homeschooled or in private school or public school?
Whats your thoughts? Should my parents be given a tax break since their kids are grown and not even in school anymore? Its a big issue, huh?
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