The Erie Catholic School System is urging families, alumni, parishioners, donors, and community supporters to contact state lawmakers as legislation that could impact Catholic school scholarships awaits consideration in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
House Bill 2632, which is currently before the full House, would reduce funding for Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program by $102 million and add new administrative requirements to the program.
The EITC Program provides scholarship funding that helps families afford tuition at private and religious schools across the Commonwealth. The program gives parents greater educational choice and helps students attend schools that best fit their academic, personal, and spiritual needs.
EITC-supported scholarships currently benefit 26 Catholic schools throughout the Diocese of Erie and help approximately 4,941 students access a Catholic education.
School leaders warn that the proposed funding reduction could significantly decrease scholarship availability and make it more difficult for families to afford tuition.
“House Bill 2632 threatens a program that has opened doors for students who might otherwise be unable to access a Catholic education,” said Travis Washko, President of the Erie Catholic School System. “We are asking our Erie Catholic families, alumni, supporters, and community partners to make their voices heard. This legislation could come to a vote at any time, and the decisions made in Harrisburg will have a direct impact on our students and families.”
With the bill now pending before the full House, Erie Catholic officials say immediate action is needed from those who support Catholic education and school choice.