Philly Leader

Rep. Martina White of Philadelphia has announced an increase in funding for two state programs aimed at enhancing educational choice and opportunities for students. The legislation, recently signed into law by the governor, will boost funding for these initiatives.

“These programs empower families with the ability to navigate and select educational options that align with their values and goals for their children's academic success,” White stated. She emphasized that providing scholarships for students to attend private schools encourages competition among schools, which can lead to improvements in education quality.

The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program will see an increase of $130 million, bringing its total funding to $470 million. Meanwhile, the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) program will receive an additional $20 million, totaling $85 million. These programs offer tax credits to businesses contributing to scholarship organizations and other educational entities, supporting various educational initiatives across Pennsylvania.

House Bill 301 and Senate Bill 843 are part of state budget-related legislation that includes provisions for distributing funds to public libraries, career and technical schools, among others. Both bills have been enacted into law.

“We know the one-size-fits-all school system is leaving too many students behind,” White remarked. She highlighted concerns about learning loss translating into reduced lifetime earnings and noted strong public support for alternative education options in underperforming schools.

White represents the 170th Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. For media inquiries, contact David Foster at 267-207-0207.