Fellow Pennsylvanian, I'm Rep. Tim O’Neal from the 48th Legislative District in Washington County – and I serve as your Republican Whip.
Our kids are in trouble.
First – The pandemic set some students back years. Only 30 percent of eighth graders perform math and reading at grade level.
Second – A landmark Commonwealth Court decision in 2023 declared the way the state funds education to be unconstitutional.
Making it worse, Pennsylvania is spending more money per student than we ever have. In fact, we rank seventh in the nation as of 2023.
With so many problems plaguing our educational system, you'd think that Governor Josh Shapiro would take action, especially since he touted school choice as a commonsense alternative for struggling students in low-performing schools.
However, when we put a bill that would have provided scholarships for students in need on his desk, he vetoed it.
It's not too late. Governor Shapiro can still ensure that a child, regardless of their ZIP code, can have access to a good education.
Rep. Martina White (Philadelphia) proposed the “Learning Investment Tax Credit” (LITC) with House Bill 1662.
What does this mean?
It means an $8,000-per-child refundable tax credit to offset education expenses if parents choose a non-public school.
That includes tax credits or refunds to parents for expenses like:
- Tuition and fees at nonpublic schools
- Textbooks
- Fees for after-school programs
- Tutoring or education services for students with disabilities.
Think of the THOUSANDS of Pennsylvania families that stand to benefit from this legislation!
I know what you're thinking... "Tim, what's the catch?"
There isn't one. This can be done without taking one cent away from our public schools.
This is an issue that is so important to me, my caucus, and Pennsylvanians across the Commonwealth.
If you are with me, can I ask you to sign my petition supporting the Learning Investment Tax Credit to transform Pennsylvania Schools?