Nov. 24, 2015
HARRISBURG – Rep. James R. Santora (R-Delaware), joined by more than 20 of his colleagues, held a press conference to implore Gov. Tom Wolf to direct the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to release letters that would enable Commonwealth businesses to contribute money to students across the state and prevent the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program from being yet another casualty of the budget impasse.
“As we know, one size does not fit all for many. Some students need an alternative to public schools, and the EITC money gives them that opportunity,” Santora said. “This money is absolutely critical because without it, schools will be forced to close as early as January.”
The program directs more than $150 million annually to schools in Pennsylvania as a result of contributions businesses make. When DCED releases the contribution letters, businesses are able to write checks for the education of Commonwealth children. If schools do not receive the money by Dec. 31, the businesses will be ineligible to dedicate money to the 2015 program; $150 million would be lost.
Many groups also attended the press conference in support: ACS Children’s Tuition Fund, Allied Wire and Cable, Business Leadership Organized for Catholic Schools, CB Cares Educational Foundation, Children’s Scholarship Fund, Keystone Christian Education Association, the Neighborhood Academy and the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America.
“The EITC Program was designed to be independent from the budget process to avoid a crisis where a pending budget could interfere with funding that companies across the Commonwealth wish to dedicate to our children,” Santora added. “Without funding from the state or from the EITC program – which comprises as much as one-third of funding schools receive – the outcome schools will experience is tragic.”
The press conference may be viewed at
RepSantora.com.
Representative James R. Santora
163rd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Alison Evans
717.260.6206
aevans@pahousegop.com
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