Committee
Education; Finance
Author
Nicole Boyd
Session
2024 Session
Latest Action
On March 27, SB 2889 died in committee.
Explanation of the Bill
Early Learning Collaboratives (ELCs) are high-quality, state-funded pre-K programs for four-year-olds that must have at least two partners, one school district and one Head Start, but may also have private or parochial schools or licensed child care centers as partners. The State of Mississippi provides half of the operating budget for ELCs. The other half is provided by local matching funds.
To help ELCs meet their local match, the original Early Learning Collaborative Act of 2013 created a unique 1:1 tax credit. Individuals or corporations can donate up to $1 million. For every dollar donated, a dollar is removed from the donor’s tax liability. It is not a refundable tax credit.
Senate Bill 2889 expands the 1:1 tax credit to include preschool programs that are serving children who are at least three-years-old. It is unclear which current early learning collaboratives would be able to take advantage of this tax credit as only children who have reached the age of four can participate in a state-funded program, though some programs may serve younger children through other funds. Although it is unclear, this bill may also intend to allow the tax credit for any public school preschool program, even those not affiliated with a collaborative.
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
| 2/19/24 | On February 19, SB 2889 was referred to the Senate Education and Senate Finance Committee. |
| 3/27/24 | On March 27, SB 2889 died in committee. |