Pa. Kids Need Shapiro to Opt In to Scholarship Program

Originally published by TribLIVE.

For months, Gov. Josh Shapiro has said he wouldn’t decide whether to opt Pennsylvania into the federal scholarship tax-credit program until the Treasury Department finalized its guidelines. Last week, the Treasury did its part; now it’s time for the governor to do his.

Passed into law last year, the federal tax credit promises a new funding source for millions of K-12 students nationwide. Individuals can donate up to $1,700 a year to scholarship organizations and receive a dollar-for-dollar credit on their federal taxes. Couples filing jointly can receive up to $3,400.

These organizations will use the donations to award scholarships to K-12 students who need financial assistance. Eligible students—roughly 53 million nationwide—can use the funds to pay for various education expenses. Families can use scholarships for tutoring, special education services, books, supplies, after-school programs, and more. These practical needs determine whether a struggling student catches up or falls further behind.

Read more at TribLIVE.