I have spent my career fighting for children and families who simply want a fair shot at success. I know firsthand the power of education to change lives because I lived it.
My mother taught in a public school. My sister and I attended public schools. My brother attended a private school. I am grateful that each of us had the opportunity to receive the educational support that met our needs, and I recognize that not every child grows up with the same chance.
That is exactly why Pennsylvania should opt into the new federal tax credit scholarship program before it takes effect in January 2027.
This should not be a Republican versus Democrat conversation. Every lawmaker and state leader should be able to unify behind the goal of supporting the children of this state.
Right now, too many Pennsylvania families are worried their children’s needs are not being met. Every child learns differently, and unfortunately, students are far too often falling behind when they don’t get the support that they need.
When students are struggling to meet academic benchmarks, it has a ripple effect. A child who cannot read proficiently or perform fundamental math is far more likely to be trapped in low-wage work and economic instability later in life.
Every student deserves access to the resources they need to succeed.
The federal tax credit scholarship program would help make that possible by unlocking private donations to support educational opportunities for students across Pennsylvania. Importantly, this is not taxpayer money coming out of the state budget. It is privately funded support directed toward helping children succeed.
If Pennsylvania fails to opt in, businesses and individuals who want to contribute to educational opportunity will simply send those dollars to other states that participate in the program. That means Pennsylvania children lose out while our charitable dollars leave the Commonwealth.
That is not fair to donors, and it certainly is not fair to students in desperate need of additional support.
There also seems to be a misunderstanding about who benefits from this program. Some critics portray it as something that only helps private school students – when in reality, it would do so much more.
These scholarship funds can support public school students through tutoring, after-school programs, special education services, technology access, books, supplies and other educational supports that strengthen learning outcomes. This program creates new pathways to opportunity for children across educational settings and income levels.
Pennsylvania already has strong programs like the Educational Improvement Tax Credit and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit programs. These are worthwhile programs, but I am here to tell you the demand far exceeds the supply.
Our students need – and deserve – more.
This federal program would help fill critical gaps and provide additional resources to students and families who are searching for solutions right now. And let me be clear that the impact extends far beyond our neighborhoods or 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 accepting declining outcomes.
Pennsylvania has an opportunity to lead by embracing a practical, fiscally responsible solution that empowers families, strengthens educational support systems and keeps private charitable dollars invested in our communities.
We should do right by Pennsylvania children and opt into the federal tax credit scholarship program.