Private education is crucial to the vitality of this nation, and public policy should strengthen rather than diminish it. In spite of chronic complications, the nonpublic school movement has remained vigorous and strong. Over 5.3 million young people--10 percent of all elementary and secondary students--are enrolled in nonpublic institutions.…

The United States Commissioner of Education opposes tax credit legislation because tax credits are expensive and largely uncontrollable, and the benefits of tax credits are not effectively targeted on the families needing help. Tax credits are also deficient because they ignore the differences in college costs. Administratively, tax credits would…

This edited transcript presents a debate between the supporters of two competing federal policies. One is the tuition tax credit proposal contained in the Packwood-Moynihan Bill which would provide federal income tax relief for private school tuition and related expenses. The other is the Carter administration's proposal to expand and improve…