Legislators continue to debate an extensive voucher system that would use state tax dollars to fund private and parochial schools (Senate Bill 1).

     Advocates of the proposal delayed a vote on the bill this week and further changes to the legislation may lie ahead, with a potential final vote on the matter later this month in the Senate.

     Although I strongly support the mission of Pennsylvania’s private and parochial schools, I simply cannot support an expensive voucher program at this time.

     Should the General Assembly enact the current version of Senate Bill 1, there would be $730 million in new state spending in the first four years of the program. And with Pennsylvania already struggling to overcome its massive budget deficit, now is NOT the time to go on a spending spree on an expensive school voucher program.

     I am proud of the accomplishments of our public schools in recent years, and I have no doubt that, with continued state support, our schools will continue to lead the way to improvement across all levels of education.

     In addition, I have been an active and vocal supporter of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program, which is a highly successful scholarship program for private and parochial schools. That program exhausts its funding allocation annually, and I have joined with many of my colleagues in support of greater appropriations for it.

Pennsylvania school districts already face tough choices

      When the governor announced his proposed funding cuts to public education earlier this year, public school officials across the state were forced to look for ways to balance their budgets for the coming fiscal year, laying off school employees and making drastic cuts to established education programs and activities. Taking even more support away from our existing schools to fund an expensive voucher program during these difficult times will only mean more difficult choices lie ahead.

      The vouchers proposal also creates many other questions for lawmakers.

      Will private schools who accept tax dollars also be required to accept and educate all students? Our public schools are required to educate everyone, including those with learning, physical or behavioral disabilities – a noble and worthy, but often expensive mandate.

      Will private and parochial schools who accept tax dollars also be accountable for their results, much as we now hold our public school accountable? If not, then how will know that our tax dollars are spent wisely and productively?

      Keep in mind that fewer students in our public schools does NOT mean a dollar-for-dollar reduction in expense to our school districts. Building maintenance, transportation, heating and cooling bills and other fixed costs will remain for taxpayers to fund.

      If the state were flush with cash, and our existing public schools were adequately funded and successful in all aspects, perhaps now would be the time to pursue a system that helps parents pay for other educational opportunities for their children. Unfortunately, that is not the case.

      Remember, charter schools are now permitted under Pennsylvania law and both brick-and-mortar and cyber charter schools have becoming increasingly popular choices for parents of students who require alternatives to traditional public schools. In my view, Pennsylvania’s education landscape already includes broad choices that meet the needs of most families.

Budget policies put pressure on school districts and taxpayers

      On a related matter, I am pleased that my Senate Democratic colleagues have joined me to strongly oppose Gov. Corbett’s proposed cuts to public education. We must make sure that state government does not walk away from its responsibility to provide a quality education to all those who desire to learn.

How Education Cuts Could Affect Your School District

      For some of these school districts, the proposed cuts are among the largest in the state on a per-student basis:

• Pittsburgh Public Schools - $1,220/student
• Steel Valley - $972/student
• Woodland Hills - $851/student
• Penn Hills - $806/student

      These proposed cuts, along with other smaller but also significant cuts in funding to all of Pennsylvania’s 500 school districts, would have a devastating effect on students and families throughout our state.

      I look forward to making my voice heard on this critical issue during the coming weeks.

Stay Connected

        For updates on this and other legislative initiatives, stay in touch with me on the Internet through my website or on Facebook.