Staff Reports
Senator Dave McCormick is making a loud, plain‑spoken push: Pennsylvania should “opt in” to the new federal scholarship tax‑credit program so donors can send private scholarship money to students now being left behind. He said he’s optimistic Governor Josh Shapiro will do the right thing. That’s the news — and it matters for thousands of families who want education options, not more committee meetings.
McCormick’s push and the political moment
At a recent school‑choice roundtable, U.S. Senator Dave McCormick renewed his call for Governor Josh Shapiro to accept the Education Freedom Tax Credit for Pennsylvania. McCormick told audiences he hopes and expects the governor will opt in, arguing the program will unlock private donations for tutoring, special‑needs services, and other help kids need. Meanwhile, Governor Shapiro’s office says it is reviewing federal guidance before deciding. That’s polite Washington language for “we’re thinking about it,” but families don’t have time to wait on more bureaucracy.
What the Education Freedom Tax Credit actually does
Plain language, clear results
The federal program gives taxpayers a dollar‑for‑dollar federal tax credit of up to $1,700 when they donate to a qualifying Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO). SGOs turn those donations into scholarships for K‑12 expenses — private school tuition, tutoring, classroom supplies, even some special services. States must opt in to be “covered states” and submit lists of qualifying SGOs so donors can claim credits starting January 1, 2027. The rules also target students from households below set income limits, so this isn’t elite giveaways dressed up as reform.
Where Pennsylvania stands and the national picture
Roughly three dozen states have moved to participate so far, mostly under Republican governors but with some Democrats joining the effort too. Colorado’s governor called it a boon for kids; in Kentucky a Democratic governor vetoed opt‑in legislation and the legislature later overrode him. In Harrisburg, Republican lawmakers and some Democrats are pressing Governor Shapiro to commit. The real risk if Pennsylvania sits on the sidelines is simple: donors who want to help Pennsylvania kids will send their money to programs in other states, and Pennsylvania students lose out.
Why Governor Shapiro should stop waiting and opt in
This is where the politics meet the kids. The program leverages private charitable dollars — not state budget money — to expand options for families. If Governor Shapiro wants to claim he cares about opportunity, he should embrace a plan that gives parents more choices and brings tutoring and services into neighborhoods that need them. Waiting for “more guidance” while other states move forward looks like prioritizing process over kids. If Shapiro really wants to defend public education, he can do that and still let private donations help students who need extra support. Opt in, get the list of SGOs ready, and let Pennsylvania families decide what’s best for their children.
