Pennsylvania

Legislature Status:

In session.

Existing Programs:

Educational Attainment Tax Credit (2012)
Gives a tax credit to corporations who donate to organizations that give private-school scholarships for low- and middle-income children. The program is capped at $60 million.

Educational Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (2001)
Gives a tax credit to corporations who donate to groups that private-school scholarships to low- and middle-income children attending a “failing” school. The program is capped at $50 million.

Pending Legislation:

Senate Bill 51
“Educational Tax Credits”
Creates an additional tax credit scholarship program. The bill was introduced on January 4, 2013 by Sen. Anthony Williams, D-Philadelphia, and has yet to leave committee.

Summary:

Private school choice in Pennsylvania has been put on the backburner this session after significant developments last year. 2012 was marked by the passage of two major pieces of private school choice legislation: the biennial budget, which expanded a tax credit scholarship program established in 2001, and a brand new tax credit scholarship program that targets “failing” schools. The new program has commenced this fall.

The legislature attempted passage of a school voucher program in 2011, but the bill died after being passed in the Senate. Another bill made even less progress in 2012.

Get more information on the ALEC education bill that was introduced in Pennsylvania in 2013:
The Great Schools Tax Credit Program Act (Scholarship Tax Credits) (SB 51)

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