The House Republican Policy Committee, led by Rep. Martina White (R-Philadelphia), held a hearing at St. Anselm School in Northeast Philadelphia to discuss the impact of Pennsylvania’s school choice programs and the potential benefits of a new federal scholarship tax credit.
“Pennsylvania’s scholarship programs are changing lives every day, especially in communities within Northeast Philadelphia,” said White. “Families deserve the freedom to choose the educational setting that helps their children succeed.”
Committee Chairman Rep. David H. Rowe (R-Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata) highlighted the importance of providing quality education for all children, regardless of where they live or their family income. “Pennsylvania has long been a leader through programs like the Educational Improvement Tax Credit and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit,” Rowe stated. “But our recent conversation made clear—we’re not done. Too many students are still searching for the educational opportunity that suits them best.”
The hearing focused on the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), also known as the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, which aims to expand access to scholarships across the country. Lawmakers explained that this program would add to Pennsylvania’s current tax credit scholarship initiatives but requires action from Governor Josh Shapiro for participation.
“The time is now. Opt in now,” said Rowe during his remarks. “Our children’s future is not a bargaining chip.”
Testimony was provided by Stephen Bloom from Commonwealth Foundation, Dr. Patrick Graff of American Federation for Children, and Keisha Jordan from Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia.
Bloom noted that while Pennsylvania’s scholarship programs help more than 100,000 low-income students each year, demand continues to exceed available resources.
Jordan reported that her organization serves over 6,800 students annually with more than $17 million in distributed funds, giving families greater access to suitable schools.
Witnesses indicated that joining the federal program could bring nearly $1 billion in additional scholarship funding to Pennsylvania if state leaders opt in.
Committee members emphasized bipartisan support for school choice initiatives and referenced polling data showing broad agreement among voters regarding participation in the federal program. “As we’ve heard, this is hardly a partisan issue,” Rowe said. “This is something that is a consensus issue, if ever there was one.”
Rowe concluded by thanking those who testified and affirmed ongoing efforts by the committee to promote policies supporting parental empowerment and expanded educational opportunities.
