More Choices, Brighter Futures: Expanding Education Freedom

The House Committee on Education & Workforce held a hearing on October 24, 2026, titled “More Choices, Brighter Futures: Expanding Education Freedom,” examining school choice, charter schools, and the federal Education Freedom Tax Credit. Supporters urged Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro to opt into the program, which allows tax credits of up to $1,700 per individual or $3,400 per couple for donations to scholarship-granting organizations. A witness estimated that participation could generate about $700 million in Pennsylvania scholarships if 10% of eligible taxpayers contributed the maximum; supporters also cited nearly 70,000 unfilled scholarship applications under current state programs. Opposing testimony questioned who would benefit, the program’s accountability and eligibility rules, and its potential effects on public schools.

The hearing also discussed Pennsylvania’s existing education tax-credit programs, reported to allocate $575 million, and federal charter-school legislation, including the Flex Act, which a witness said could improve the use of existing program funds without new federal spending. Members and witnesses advocated for expanding school options and urged passage of three charter-school bills, but no procurement activity, contract awards, or spending-related votes were identified at this hearing.