HARRISBURG – Today, Senator Joe Picozzi (R-5) voiced strong opposition to House Bill 2632, legislation passed by the House of Representatives that would significantly alter Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs.
“Families across Northeast Philadelphia rely on these programs to access educational opportunities that best fit their children’s needs,” Picozzi said. “At a time when demand for scholarships continues to grow, we should be strengthening these programs – not restricting them”.
The EITC and OSTC programs help thousands of students’ access scholarships to attend schools that best meet their needs while encouraging private-sector investment in education. Many families throughout Northeast Philadelphia currently benefit from these scholarships.
House Bill 2632 would phase out the existing educational tax credit structure, imposing significant new requirements on scholarship organizations and participating schools, and eliminate opportunities that thousands of families currently depend on.
Picozzi, a longtime advocate for educational opportunities, believes Pennsylvania must continue supporting students in public, private, parochial, and charter schools, ensuring every family has access to the resources and opportunities needed to succeed.
“Education is not a one-size-fits-all. My focus has always been on making sure students have access to quality educational opportunities, regardless of the type of school they attend,” said Picozzi. “I will continue fighting to protect programs that help families”.
Picozzi pledged to continue working with colleagues in the Senate to protect educational tax credit programs and ensure students and families are not left behind.
MEDIA CONTACT: Danielle LaBrake dlabrake@pasen.gov