Tax credit bill sends session into 12th week

 The Delta Democrat-Times, Greenville, Mississippi, Mon, Oct 6, 1969

Page 12Tax credit bill sends session into 12th week 

JACKSON (DPI)-The 12th week of the special session of the Mississippi legislature began today with the controversial Income tax credit bill still a problem. The Iawmakers began a three day recess Friday morning after a futile effort to push the session to final adjournment. At one point, it seemed the legislators were on the way home. But late Thursday night the hangup over the tax credit bill developed. 

The lawmakers gave Final approval earlier Thursday to the $300 million highway program, and then agreement was reached on the Medicaid conference committee report.

The Senate Appropriations Committee reported on a $3.4 million appropriation to cover the state's share of Medicaid costs for the first six months. With little opposition, the appropriation passed in the Senate and was sent over to the House Appropriations Committee. However, the House committee tabled the bill, which killed any chance of adjourning last week. 

The House committee's action apparently was a power struggle in an effort to force the Senate Fiance Committee to take another look at income tax credit. The Senate committee voted to indefinitely postpone action on the measure, which would leave it hanging with adjournment.

The House already has passed the bill allowing tax credits for persons who donate to public or private schools. It was part of the package recommended by Gov. John Bell Williams to aid private schools in the face of stepped up desegregation of the public schools. Some lawmakers apparently felt the plan, which allowed tax credit of 50 per cent on a maximum of $500 in donations, was too costly and might endanger the public school system. Others apparently feared its passage at this time would be unwise.

The chief private school bill, providing $200 loans to children attending private, parochial or other church schools was approved earlier in the session but already was under court attack. A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order Friday to block disbursement of the loan funds until the law can be checked in court. Private school forces apparently joined with a number of senators to get the House committee to table the Medicaid appropriations bill, according to Capitol sources. A number of other appropriation bills were awaiting final disposition, including $5 million grant to assist in rebuilding hurricane - torn Gulf Coast.