Dyslexia Bill Stalls To Dismay Of Advocates

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Advocates for children with reading problems caused by dyslexia say they're frustrated the issue isn't getting attention from state lawmakers.

GOP Sen. Roger Chamberlain of Lino Lakes figures there are up to 135,000 students in Minnesota public schools afflicted by dyslexia, in which the brain struggles to distinguish characters and sounds.

His bill would provide as much as $2,000 in tax credits to cover 75 percent of the cost of private tutoring for children with the disability. Licensed teachers trained to diagnose and treat dyslexia would be eligible for tax credits toward their training.

But Chamberlain worries the bill has stalled as a critical consideration deadline arrives Friday.

Senate Education Committee Chairwoman Patricia Torres Ray says she supports the goal but believes the issue needs a broader discussion next year.