ATLANTA (AP) — In the final hours of this year's legislative session, Georgia lawmakers carved out a tax exemption that would give a $350,000 sales tax break on the purchase of construction materials to a Cleveland college focused on preparing Baptist faith evangelists.
The provision, benefiting Truett-McConnell College, was briefly mentioned as top Republicans urged passage of a 49-page tax bill.
Legal scholars say the exemption likely would survive a challenge. Georgia's constitution prevents direct or indirect expense of state money for religious institutions.
Supporters say private schools save the state money and want the credit expanded in future years. Critics argue the new break doesn't pass a common sense test for determining who should pay taxes and who shouldn't.
