Rep. Martina White introduced a resolution on Apr. 23 to recognize the impact of Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) scholarships, which have benefited more than 600,000 Pennsylvania students since the program began in 2001.
The resolution proposes designating May 17, 2026, as the “25th Anniversary of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program Day” to honor EITC’s role in pre-kindergarten through grade twelve education across the state.
The EITC program allows businesses to receive tax credits for contributions made to scholarship-granting organizations. These organizations then help families afford tutoring, private or parochial schools, specialized instruction, and innovative educational programming at public schools. White said, “I’ve long supported expanding and strengthening the EITC program because it delivers real benefits for both businesses and families.” She added that these scholarships provide access to opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach for many students. “At a time when there are efforts in Harrisburg to cut EITC scholarships, it is more important than ever to recognize and reinforce the program’s life-changing impact,” White said.
To qualify under the EITC program, scholarship organizations must be approved as nonprofit entities under section 501(c)(3). They use business donations to offer scholarships based on household income requirements. White has also advocated for participation in a federal initiative similar to Pennsylvania’s EITC and called on Governor Josh Shapiro to confirm the state’s involvement in this national Education Freedom Tax Credit effort.
White delivers public service by helping residents navigate state programs in the 170th Legislative District, according to the official website. She achieved election to the Pennsylvania House in a special election held in 2015 according to her official website. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Elizabethtown College according to her official website and grew up as a lifelong resident of Northeast Philadelphia according to her official website. In addition, she serves on the SEPTA board and has chaired the Liquid Natural Gas Task Force according to her official website.
Pennsylvania State Rep. Martina White represents Northeast Philadelphia’s 170th Legislative District and leads the House Republican Caucus. She advances education funding initiatives while supporting public safety measures and senior services; she is also recognized as Philadelphia’s first new Republican elected from that city in twenty-five years according to her official website.
