Policy Committee, White Highlight School Choice Success in PA, Urges Shapiro to Opt In to Federal Scholarship Tax Credit

January 30, 2026

PHILADELPHIA—The House Republican Policy Committee, hosted by Rep. Martina White (R-Philadelphia), convened a hearing last week at St. Anselm School in Northeast Philadelphia to examine how Pennsylvania’s proven school choice programs are expanding educational opportunity for families and how a new federal scholarship tax credit could build on that success.

“Pennsylvania’s scholarship programs are changing lives every day, especially in communities within Northeast Philadelphia,” White said. “Families deserve the freedom to choose the educational setting that helps their children succeed.”

Chairman Rep. David H. Rowe (R-Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata) opened the hearing by emphasizing the committee’s focus on ensuring every child, regardless of ZIP code or income, has access to an excellent education.

“Pennsylvania has long been a leader through programs like the Educational Improvement Tax Credit and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit,” Rowe said. “But our recent conversation made clear—we’re not done. Too many students are still searching for the educational opportunity that suits them best.” 

The hearing focused on the Educational Choice for Children Act (ECCA), also known as the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit, a new program designed to expand access to scholarships and enrichment opportunities nationwide. Representatives noted the program would complement Pennsylvania’s existing tax credit scholarship model, but it requires the governor to formally opt in.

“The time is now. Opt in now,” Rowe said. “Our children’s future is not a bargaining chip.” 

Testimony Highlighted Strong Demand and Broad Support

The committee heard testimony from:

  • Stephen Bloom, vice president, Commonwealth Foundation
  • Dr. Patrick Graff, senior fellow, American Federation for Children
  • Keisha Jordan, president and CEO, Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia

Bloom noted Pennsylvania’s scholarship programs already serve more than 100,000 low-income students, but demand for scholarships continues to outpace supply.

Jordan shared that Children’s Scholarship Fund Philadelphia alone serves more than 6,800 students and distributes over $17 million annually, helping families access safe, high-quality schools that meet their children’s needs. 

Testifiers also stressed that the federal program could unlock nearly $1 billion in additional scholarship support for Pennsylvania students if the state opts in. 

A Consensus Issue: Not a Partisan One
Committee members repeatedly underscored that school choice is supported across party lines, with polling showing strong bipartisan backing for participation in the federal program. A recent poll found that seven in 10 respondents want the governor to opt in.

“As we’ve heard, this is hardly a partisan issue,” Rowe said. “This is something that is a consensus issue, if ever there was one.”
 
Committee Will Continue Statewide Conversations
Rowe closed by thanking testifiers and members, reaffirming the committee’s commitment to advancing policies that empower parents and expand educational opportunity.