2025 Essay  Contest 

THE SCHOOL VOUCHER… HAS IT’S TIME COME?

 

Pennsylvania currently has two indirect tax funding programs that aid students who wish to attend to private and religious schools: the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC).  But in addition to tax credits, more states are turning to direct government funding for students in the form of school vouchers.

 

As part of the 2024-25 budget consideration, Pennsylvania has debated, but has not yet enacted, a voucher program.  The latest proposal would have made $100 million available to students from relatively low-income families who attend schools within the lowest 15% on annual assessment achievement tests (combined mathematics and reading). 

 

Advocates for school vouchers believe that state-funded tuition programs give public school students more options to attend higher-achieving private schools.  Opponents of school vouchers believe that such state-funded tuition programs take badly needed financial resources away from already struggling public schools. 

 

Do you believe school vouchers should be part of Pennsylvania’s next state budget, or not?  Support your answer.