Since 2006, state Sen. Ed DeGrange has tried to create a tax credit for businesses and nonprofit groups that make contributions to certain private and public school initiatives, like scholarships.

So far, none of those efforts has succeeded.

But a confluence of events this year makes the Glen Burnie Democrat believe his bill has an "excellent" chance to finally become law.

For the first time, Gov. Martin O'Malley has thrown his support behind it. And the precarious financial situation of some private schools was demonstrated vividly last week with the announcement that 13 Catholic schools in the region will...