I have spent my career fighting for children and families who simply want a fair chance at success. I know from my own experience how powerful education can be, because I have lived it myself.
My mother taught in a public school. My sister and I attended public schools. My brother went to a private school. I am grateful that each of us has had the opportunity to receive educational support that meets our needs, and I realize that not every child has the same opportunities growing up.
That’s why Pennsylvania should join the novel federal Tax Credit Scholarship program before it goes into effect in January 2027.
This shouldn’t be a conversation between Republicans and Democrats. Every state legislator and leader should be able to unite around the goal of supporting this state’s children.
Right now, too many Pennsylvania families worry that their children’s needs are not being met. Every child learns differently and unfortunately students too often fall behind when they do not receive the support they need.
When students struggle to achieve academic standards, it has a domino effect. A child who cannot read or do basic math proficiently is much more likely to become trapped in low-wage jobs and economic instability later in life.
Every student deserves access to the resources they need to succeed.
A federal tax credit scholarship program would facilitate achieve this by unlocking private donations to support educational opportunities for students throughout Pennsylvania. Importantly, this is not taxpayers’ money coming from the state budget. This is privately funded support aimed at helping children succeed.
If Pennsylvania does not agree to participate in the program, companies and individuals who want to contribute to educational opportunities will simply send those dollars to other participating states. This means Pennsylvania children lose out while the dollars we contribute to charity leave the Commonwealth.
It’s not fair to donors, and it’s certainly not fair to students who desperately need additional support.
There also appears to be confusion as to who benefits from this program. Some critics portray it as something that only helps private school students – when in fact it would do much more.
These scholarship funds can support public school students through tutoring, after-school programs, special education services, access to technology, books, supplies, and other educational supports that enhance learning outcomes. This program creates novel opportunities for children in a variety of educational settings and income levels.
Pennsylvania already has robust programs, such as the Education Improvement Tax Credit and the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit. These are valuable programs, but I’m here to tell you that demand far outweighs supply.
Our students need – and deserve – more.
This federal program would facilitate fill critical gaps and provide additional resources for students and families who are currently looking for solutions. And I want to be clear that the impact goes far beyond our neighborhoods and even our state.
America’s future competitiveness depends on whether we are willing to seriously address the educational challenges facing our children today. We cannot continue to accept diminishing returns.
Pennsylvania has an opportunity to lead with a practical, fiscally responsible solution that empowers families, strengthens educational support systems, and allows private money to be invested for charitable purposes in our communities.
We should do the right thing for Pennsylvania’s children and join the federal Tax Credit Scholarship program.
