RICHMOND -- A new Virginia advocacy organization will work to build public and legislative support for initiatives that could expand access to private, parochial and charter schools, the group's leaders said Tuesday.

School Choice Virginia, a nonpartisan, tax-exempt organization, will advocate for legislation that could help Virginians at all income levels cover the cost of alternatives to public schools.

The group's formation was announced by Del. Chris Saxman, R-Staunton, who has carried legislation that would provide income tax credits to individuals and businesses that contribute to public school foundations and scholarship foundations.

The legislation cleared the House of Delegates this year but died in the Senate Finance Committee.

-- Michael Sluss