Education policy analysts say Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has set himself apart from other elected representatives who fear the teachers’ union by sticking to a campaign promise to expand school choices. It is possible.

But with lawmakers likely to finalize the final bill, he has only a few weeks to deliver on his promise to increase the supply of scholarships available to students in failing schools. . 2022-23 budget on June 30th. If Mr. Shapiro can convince some Democrats to accept a school-selection initiative as part of ongoing budget negotiations, it could have a transformative impact on the state’s education system.

Mark LeBron, Director of Policy ed choice, Nonprofits that advocate a wide range of options for K-12 education are optimistic that Mr. Shapiro will help them in some way. “Lifeline Scholarship” It will also accommodate increases in existing tax credit scholarship programs for students in the worst-performing school districts. (Related: Stephen Moore: Why Can’t This Red State Complete School Choices?)

“Shapiro is not going to concede here,” LeBlonde said. “Instead, he will achieve his stated policy goals. The governor now has a golden opportunity to confront the situation and serve the needs of Pennsylvania families who benefit from school choice.” be.”

Shapiro as candidate for governor shown He was open to directing tax dollars to parents of students in the bottom 15 percent of the lowest performing public schools in the Commonwealth.Last year, the Pennsylvania House passed it The Lifeline Scholarship Program proposed to provide these families with Limited use The Educational Opportunity Account (EOA) is based on average state funds per student. Currently, that would be about $7,100 to cover private school tuition, tutoring services, and other qualifying education costs.

Shapiro also stated that support to raise the state-imposed cap About the tax credit program It is lagging behind the growing demand for scholarships. Under the current program, companies and individuals donating to state-sanctioned scholarship organizations receive tax credits. However, these tax credit caps limit donations.Ann analysis Pennsylvania will put a $156.3 million tax credit on a “waiting list” for the 2020-21 school year, while increasing the cap, according to a survey of government records by the Commonwealth Foundation, a Harrisburg-based free-market think tank. It turned out that 76,000 student scholarship applications were rejected for the reason. donation.

“Companies like these scholarships because they are training their future workforce,” Leblond said. “So if you look at this from the perspective of economic prosperity, companies have compelling self-interest. But you can also look at this from the taxpayer perspective.”

On average, Pennsylvania students are about $2,500 Compare per tax credit scholarship $21,263 How much the school district spends per student.

“You’re talking a dollar a cent in terms of tax credit scholarships and how much it costs to educate a student in the public education system,” LeBlond said. “Studies show that private school choice programs can save taxpayers.”

among them analysis For the Pennsylvania program, EdChoice concluded that increasing the tax credit by $100 million would save state and local taxpayers $265 million.

and poll LeBlond, who has shown strong public support for the lifeline proposal and tax credit scholarships, said there would be little political downside for Shapiro to embrace education reform despite opposition from the teachers’ union. I’m watching He also expects Shapiro to intentionally set himself apart from other Democrats, including former Governor Tom Wolfe and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper.

Wolfe has consistently opposed alternatives to traditional public schools in Pennsylvania, Cooper resists scholarship offers He is also endorsed by some of his own Democrats. Unlike Mr. Wolfe and Mr. Cooper, Mr. Shapiro appears willing to exercise a degree of independence from union leaders. (Related: Mandy Drogin: It’s time for this giant red state to cross the finish line and get a school choice)

The operative word here is “some”. American Teachers Federation Hinder scholarship proposal, donated Hundreds of thousands of dollars were paid for Shapiro’s campaign.

Commonwealth Foundation senior vice president Eric Telford said school choice is one area where Shapiro can find common cause with voters who don’t necessarily share all of his views. said. observed in a press release.

“While we do not agree with Governor Shapiro on every issue, we are united around these important priorities and are committed to helping him deliver on his promise to ensure a better Pennsylvania. We are ready to work together and work together,” said Telford.

“These measures have overwhelming support from voters and bipartisan support in Congress,” he said. “The time has come for the common-foundation solutions so desperately needed to improve the lives of all Pennsylvanians.”

Kevin Mooney is a senior investigative journalist at the Commonwealth Foundation, a free market think tank in Pennsylvania, and has written for several national publications. Twitter: @KevinMooneyDC

The views and opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author and do not reflect the official position of the Daily Caller News Foundation.

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