Beaver County News

Dec. 07, 2023 - House Republican Policy Committee Chairman Joshua D. Kail (R-Beaver/Washington) and other lawmakers are set to host a hearing titled "Funding our Children's Future." The purpose of the hearing is to raise awareness of the positive impacts of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) programs. These programs have been instrumental in meeting the needs of families and students across the entire income spectrum.

The hearing will feature various testifiers who will share their experiences and insights on the benefits of these programs. Among the testifiers are Dr. Anne Prisco, president of Holy Family University; Zakiyyah Boone, CEO of Wonderspring Early Education; Christi Buker, executive director of the Pennsylvania Library Association; Ryan Haney, a parent; and Floyd Faria, another parent.

The Educational Improvement Tax Credit and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit programs have been vital in providing financial assistance to families who seek educational opportunities for their children. Dr. Anne Prisco, president of Holy Family University, emphasizes the positive impact of these programs on students, stating, "They have opened doors for many students who may not have had access to quality education otherwise."

Zakiyyah Boone, CEO of Wonderspring Early Education, also praises the programs for their contribution to early childhood education. Boone states, "The EITC and OSTC programs have allowed us to expand our services and provide high-quality early education to more children from low-income families. This has had a significant positive impact on their educational development."

Christi Buker, executive director of the Pennsylvania Library Association, highlights the importance of access to resources and libraries in the education system. Buker states, "Through the EITC and OSTC programs, we have been able to enhance our library services and provide crucial educational resources to students in underserved communities."

The testimonies from parents Ryan Haney and Floyd Faria further underscore the positive outcomes of these programs. Haney expresses gratitude for the financial support received through the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit program, stating, "My child's academic success would not have been possible without the scholarship. It has truly made a difference in their life."

Faria echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the opportunities created by the programs for students from lower-income backgrounds. Faria says, "The EITC and OSTC programs have given my child the chance to attend a school that aligns with their goals and aspirations. It has opened doors that were previously closed."

The hearing, which will take place at Holy Family University's Education and Technology Center Auditorium in Philadelphia, will be livestreamed online at PAGOPPolicy.com, allowing wider access to the discussions and testimonies. The aim of this hearing is not only to highlight the positive impacts of the EITC and OSTC programs but also to encourage further support and investment in education to secure a brighter future for children across Pennsylvania.

As families and educators continue to convey the positive outcomes of these programs, there is growing recognition of the need for sustainable funding to ensure that all students have equal access to quality education. The testimonies presented during this hearing serve as a reminder of the significant role that educational improvement and opportunity scholarship programs play in shaping the future of our children.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.repkail.com/News/33243/Media-Advisories/Families-Convey-Positive-Impacts-of-Educational-Improvement,-Opportunity-Scholarship-Programs