Commonwealth Foundation Testifies Before U.S. House Education & Workforce Committee

Harrisburg, Pa., October 23, 2026—Today, Commonwealth Foundation’s Chief Policy Officer, Nathan Benefield, testified in front of the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce. The field hearing, entitled “More Choices, Brighter Futures: Expanding Educational Freedom,” was hosted at Northampton College in Bethlehem, PA.

Benefield’s testimony focused on expanding educational opportunities for Pennsylvania families, including the new federal scholarship tax credit.

Nathan Benefield, chief policy officer for the Commonwealth Foundation, ended his testimony with a plea for expanded educational options in Pennsylvania:

“Pennsylvania’s EITC and OSTC show that scholarship organizations can reach families in every county. They also show that demand exceeds available funding: tens of thousands of applications go unfunded each year.  

“The federal tax credit offers another way to help students and families meet educational needs. 

“Pennsylvania has a near-term decision to make. The FSTC could bring new federal tax credit donations to Pennsylvania students without costing the state or public schools. It could help 1.8 million Pennsylvania students access additional educational options. In could unleash $700 million in additional funding for our students’ education. 

“But should Pennsylvania choose to not participate, donations will flow to our neighboring states, and commonwealth students will be denied educational opportunity.”

Read Benefield’s full testimony here.

Watch the full hearing here.

For media inquiries, please contact Giana DePaul at (215) 859-0384 or gmd@commonwealthfoundation.org.