Expand Educational Opportunity for Pennsylvania Students

---

We, the undersigned organizations, urge Governor Josh Shapiro to opt Pennsylvania in to the new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit. 

The program allows taxpayers in all 50 states to receive a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit for contributions to Scholarship Granting Organizations, beginning Jan. 1, 2027. Those organizations in turn must use the funds to provide scholarships to K–12 students for expenses such as tuition, tutoring, after-school and summer programs, special education services, books, supplies, and other educational needs. 

This opportunity for students in the commonwealth comes at no cost to Pennsylvania taxpayers, the state budget, or school districts. Scholarships would be funded entirely through private contributions. 

The potential benefit for Pennsylvania students—and the commonwealth—is substantial. According to Democrats for Education Reform, participation by just 15 percent of Pennsylvania taxpayers could generate more than $480 million annually in scholarship support. That's an enormous investment in the future of Pennsylvania: its future leaders, workers, and voters. 

Nearly 90 percent of Pennsylvania K–12 students—whether they attend a public, charter, cyber charter, career and technical, private, or other eligible school—would qualify. 

Pennsylvania is also well positioned to participate, with hundreds of existing scholarship and educational improvement organizations already serving families. 

But Pennsylvania students will benefit only if Governor Shapiro opts in. Pennsylvania taxpayers could still claim the federal credit if he does not—but their contributions would then have to support scholarships for students in other states. 

Already, 30 states have opted in, including states led by Democratic governors, and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has indicated her intent to make her state the 31st to participate. 

Pennsylvania students should not be left behind. 

We urge Governor Shapiro to indicate Pennsylvania’s intent to participate now, giving families and scholarship providers the time they need to prepare and ensuring that Pennsylvania students will be able to take full advantage of this new opportunity.