Dan Coats: “this amendment Members will be voting on shortly simply adds an incentive to the current deduction that is allowed for…”

“this amendment Members will be voting on shortly simply adds an incentive to the current deduction that is allowed for individuals making contributions to tax-exempt organizations that provide scholarships for low-income children. Currently it is 100 percent deductible. We are adding an additional 10 percent incentive so that these organizations, of which currently more than 30 exist around the country, can receive additional funds through this incentive so that they can offer additional scholarships to children trapped in an educational system which allows them no escape. There are currently programs operating in virtually every major city in the country. They are giving children a chance. Those who say, ``If you can't give everybody a chance, you can't give anybody a chance'', are like those standing on the Titanic saying, ``If we don't have enough lifeboats for all on this sinking ship, nobody gets to use the existing lifeboats.'' These kids are condemned to failure with no way out of the plight they are in. Let us allow these organizations that are reaching out through private contributions a chance to give these kids a chance. This is paid for. It is revenue neutral.”