Beaver County News

House Republican Policy Committee Chairman Joshua D. Kail and other lawmakers will be hosting a hearing titled "Funding our Children's Future" to highlight the positive effects of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs. The goal of the hearing is to shed light on how these programs are meeting the needs of families and students from all income levels.

The hearing will feature testimonies from various individuals who have experienced the benefits of these programs firsthand. Among the speakers will be Chris Watts, the CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania, and Michael Joyce, the principal of Bishop Canevin High School. Additionally, parents Ruth Alicea and Cassie Smith will share their perspectives on how these programs have positively impacted their children's education.

The EITC and OSTC programs have been instrumental in providing educational opportunities to students across Pennsylvania. By offering tax credits to businesses that contribute to scholarship funds, these programs help families access quality education that may otherwise be financially out of reach.

One of the key benefits of these programs is the flexibility they provide in terms of school choice. Parents have the freedom to choose the educational institution that best suits their child's needs, whether it be a public, private, or parochial school. This empowerment allows parents to actively participate in their children's education and ensure they receive the best possible opportunities.

Ruth Alicea, a parent who will be testifying at the hearing, expressed her gratitude for the EITC and OSTC programs, saying, "These programs have allowed my child to attend a school that aligns with our family's values and provides a strong academic foundation. Without the financial assistance provided by these programs, this would not have been possible."

Cassie Smith, another parent who will be speaking at the hearing, echoed similar sentiments. She shared, "Thanks to the EITC and OSTC programs, my child has been able to thrive in a school that offers specialized programs and individualized attention. It has truly made a difference in their education."

The positive impact of these programs extends beyond individual families. Chris Watts, the CEO of the Boys and Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania, emphasized the broader community benefits. He stated, "The EITC and OSTC programs have allowed us to expand our after-school programs, providing additional support and resources to students who may not have had access to these opportunities otherwise. It has been a game-changer for our organization."

As the hearing approaches, lawmakers and participants alike are hopeful that the testimonies shared will shed light on the significant contributions the EITC and OSTC programs have made to Pennsylvania's education system. These programs have proven to be vital in ensuring that all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background, have access to quality education.

The livestream of the hearing will be available on PAGOPPolicy.com, allowing the public to tune in and gain insight into the positive impacts of the EITC and OSTC programs.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.repkail.com/News/33240/Media-Advisories/Families-Convey-Positive-Impacts-of-Educational-Improvement,-Opportunity-Scholarship-Programs-