Education
Federal Scholarship Tax Credit
Tens of thousands of kids wait-listed for Pennsylvania’s tax credit scholarship programs could receive scholarships under the new federal program. First-Ever Federal Tax Credit Scholarship Program Last July, Congress passed…
Read More: Federal Scholarship Tax CreditPennsylvania’s future is in the hands of the next generation. Parents and students—not activist agendas—should drive the Commonwealth’s education policy. While policymakers have been entrusted with ensuring the next generation receives a quality education, parents should be empowered to choose the quality education that meets their unique child’s needs. Charter schools and tax credit scholarships are integral pieces of school choice, but more reforms are needed to make educational choice a reality for all Pennsylvania students.
Education
School Districts Amass Record Reserve Funds
Is your local school board planning to raise property taxes despite holding millions in reserve funds? For many Pennsylvania school districts, the answer may be “yes.” Check out…
Media
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‘Underfunded’ Pa. Schools Spend Nearly $16,000 Per Pupil
‘Underfunded’ Pa. Schools Spend Nearly $16,000 Per Pupil District Reserves Reach $4.3 Billion in 2014-15 as Attendance Declines June 14, 2016, HARRISBURG, Pa.—Contradicting the claim that Pennsylvania underfunds…
Press Release
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Is $27 Billion Enough?
Is $27 billion enough money for Pennsylvania's public schools? This is the question policymakers must answer before voting to raise taxes on …
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School Spending Update, 2014-15
Pennsylvania school districts spent approximately $27.4 billion in 2014-15. This represents a $1.3 billion increase from 2013-14, despite a 12,000 student decrease in average daily membership.
Memo
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Ghost Teachers Bill Advances in State House
Ghost Teachers Bill Advances in State House Legislation Strictly Limits Union Work on School Time June 6, 2016, HARRISBURG, Pa.—Today, the state House Education Committee advanced HB 2125,…
Press Release
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Ghost Teaching Put to Rest?
Are ghost teachers about to be put to rest? Ghost teachers in Pennsylvania would be strictly limited under legislation approved by the state House Education Committee today. HB 2125 restricts…
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Wolf Admin. Thanks Excellent Teachers, But Won’t Protect Them
The Pennsylvania Department of Education recently released a video featuring Secretary Pedro Rivera congratulating students for completing a school year. He praises children for “show[ing] up each and every…
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An Easy Way to Give School Budgets a Boost
“I want to put more education dollars in our classrooms, not our school buses,” said Auditor General Eugene DePasquale, while releasing an analysis of 19 school districts that exceeded…
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Wolf Sacrifices Great Teachers for Union Approval
Wolf Sacrifices Great Teachers for Union Approval Governor Vetoes Protecting Excellent Teachers Act May 18, 2016, HARRISBURG, Pa.—Gov. Tom Wolf today chose to side with teachers’ union leaders over…
Press Release
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Restoring Teachers’ Rights
Teacher Linda Misja is a religious objector to unionism, and as such, can donate the equivalent of her fair share fee–otherwise owed to the union–to charity. But four years ago,…
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Growing Chorus says “Last-in, First-out” Must Go
Growing Chorus Says “Last-in, First-Out” Must Go To Protect Teachers, Wolf Must Sign Seniority Reform Bill May 12, 2016, HARRISBURG, Pa.—Thousands of Pennsylvania teachers put in extra hours, study…
Press Release
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Sugary Drink Tax: Not So Sweet for Philadelphia
Such a believer is Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney in universal preschool that he supports a punitive tax on low-income residents to pay for it. During his stint on City…
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Pa. Senate Votes to Protect Great Teachers
Pa. Senate Votes to Protect Great Teachers Gov. Wolf Urged to Sign Bill Ending Archaic Last-In-First-Out Policy May 9, 2016, HARRISBURG, Pa.—In a victory for public school students and…
Press Release
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Senate Protects Excellent Teachers, Sends Bill to Wolf
In a crucial victory for both students and teachers, the Protecting Excellent Teachers Act passed the Senate this afternoon with a vote of 26 to 22. HB 805, championed…
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Obama, Wolf at Odds over Charter Schools
Obama, Wolf at Odds over Charter Schools As Obama Recognizes National Charter Schools Week, Wolf Wants to Slash Charter…
Press Release
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Tom Wolf vs. Barack Obama on Charters
It’s safe to assume Governor Tom Wolf and President Barack Obama agree on many policy issues. But when it comes to public charter schools, Wolf and Obama are worlds apart.
Media
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Making the Most of New Funding Formula
A recent report from ABC 27 asks: “Will lawmakers stick with new education funding formula next year?” At issue is whether Pennsylvania’s student-based formula will be retained in…
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Budget Complete as Fiscal Code Becomes Law
Late on Friday afternoon, Gov. Tom Wolf quietly announced the fiscal code will become law without his signature. This significant development closes the door on a tumultuous year of…
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Changing Lives with Education Savings Accounts
Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) empower parents to personalize the academic experience for their children, as CF explains in a recent policy brief. But ESAs are about more than school…
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Give Children the Best: Education Savings Accounts
Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) empower parents to design the best educational experience for their children. How do they work? Funding otherwise earmarked for K-12 education is deposited into an…
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Governor Wolf’s 2015-16 Budget Myths
Governor Wolf claimed the 2015-16 budget could not be balanced without significant tax hikes. But there are two ways exist to close a budget deficit: raise revenue or cut spending.
Memo
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