The Pennsylvania House Education Committee voted in favor of House Bill 1207 with a vote of 13-12. The bill, introduced by Representative Jim Christiana (R-Beaver), will increase funding for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program to $125 million for K-12 and $12.5 million for pre-kindergarten scholarships. This is an important first step for giving more students school choice.
The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program helps more than 40,000 students each year to choose the school that best fits their needs.
The EITC program has provided school choice to students for 12 years and now the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) program will be able to help thousands more who need help the most.
Students in every Catholic school in Pennsylvania benefit from these programs; but the demand for scholarships far exceeds the dollars available for tax credits.
Now until the end of June, the Pennsylvania General Assembly will be debating the 2013-2014 state budget. Send a message to your legislators and ask them to support HB 1207 and increase funding for EITC and keep OSTC funding level so more students have the opportunity for school choice.
Use the Catholic Advocacy Network to send your message today.