The House Republican Policy Committee, led by Rep. Martina White (R-Philadelphia), held a hearing at St. Anselm School in Northeast Philadelphia to discuss Pennsylvania’s school choice programs and the potential benefits of a new federal scholarship tax credit.
Rep. White emphasized the impact of these initiatives: “Pennsylvania’s scholarship programs are changing lives every day, especially in communities within Northeast Philadelphia,” she said. “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 committee’s commitment to educational access for all children, regardless of their background. “Pennsylvania has long been a leader through programs like the Educational Improvement Tax Credit and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit,” Rowe said. “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 examined the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), also known as the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, which aims to expand scholarships and enrichment opportunities nationwide. Supporters stated that this federal program would work alongside Pennsylvania’s existing model but requires formal approval from Governor Josh Shapiro.
“The time is now. Opt in now,” Rowe urged. “Our children’s future is not a bargaining chip.”
Testimony during the hearing included remarks from Stephen Bloom of the Commonwealth Foundation, Dr. Patrick Graff from the American Federation for Children, and Keisha Jordan of Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia.
Bloom reported that more than 100,000 low-income students benefit from Pennsylvania’s current scholarship programs, but there is greater demand than available resources.
Jordan noted her organization serves over 6,800 students and distributes more than $17 million each year to help families access safe schools suited to their needs.
Speakers at the hearing said that joining the federal program could bring nearly $1 billion in additional scholarship funds to Pennsylvania if approved by state leadership.
Committee members stressed bipartisan support for school choice policies and cited polling data showing that most Pennsylvanians want state officials to opt into 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 expressing gratitude to participants and reaffirming plans to continue discussing education policy across Pennsylvania.
