Key Vote YES: Pennsylvania SB1 Opportunity Scholarship and Educational Improvement Tax Credit Act

Dear Representative,

On behalf of over a million FreedomWorks members nationwide, I urge you to support SB 1, the Opportunity Scholarship and Educational Improvement Tax Credit Act.” Introduced by Sen. Piccola (R-Dauphin) and Sen. Williams (D-Philadelphia), this bill would allow children the opportunity to attend a better school. We must ensure that all Pennsylvania children receive the quality education that they deserve.

Many Pennsylvania schools have failed to live up to expectations. A growing number of education alternatives exist including traditional public schools, charter schools, parochial schools and home school. Pennsylvania children and parents should be empowered to escape their zip code in order to choose the school that best suits their individual needs. This bill would grant low-income children in low-achieving schools a scholarship to attend a better public or private school of their choice. It would also increases funding for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit to $100 million which grants companies tax credits if they donate to a non-profit educational scholarship program.

School choice is a win-win for all. By increasing choice and competition, similar programs have been shown to increase student test scores across the nation. Just as competition has improved every day products, it can produce better performing schools. Multiple studies have confirmed that school choice programs boost parental satisfaction in their child’s education. If SB1 is enacted, many Pennsylvania parents will express gratitude that they could choose a better and safer learning environment for their children.

I urge you to support SB1, the “Opportunity Scholarship and Educational Improvement Tax Credit Act.” The educational quality of Pennsylvania students is vital in order for them to compete on a national and global scale. Please stand up for the children of Pennsylvania by allowing them to choose the school that best meets their individual needs.

Sincerely,

Matt Kibbe
President and CEO
FreedomWorks
[Click here for a pdf version of this letter.]