Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Education Committee examines PA’s Educational Tax Credit Programs

Education Committee examines PA’s Educational Tax Credit Programs

Northeast Delegation    April 14, 2026

HARRISBURG, April 14 – As part of the continuing efforts to address accountability and transparency in Pennsylvania’s educational system, the House Education Committee held an informational meeting Tuesday to examine the Educational Tax Credit Programs.

“These programs represent $680 million of public investment in non-public education in Pennsylvania annually, which totals more than the annual state funding for the Department of Community and Economic Development, the Department of Agriculture combined,” said state Rep. Peter Schweyer, Majority Chair of the House Education Committee. “This is a significant amount of money, but we have very little data on how it is being spent, where it is being utilized and if the students utilizing the program have improved academic performance.”

Testifiers included representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, the Independent Fiscal Office, the Center for Student Achievement, the Imani Christian Academy and the BAUM School of Art.

“At the time of our review, key ETC outcome data were not available for analysis due to statutory limitations on data collection,” said Stacey Knavel, Deputy Director, Pennsylvania Independent Fiscal Office. “The IFO has made several recommendations to enhance the efficiency of ETC programs, including, more accountability for ETC contributions not funding scholarships or educational improvement programs, allowing the collection of certain key performance data and an annual report from DCED summarizing basic ETC program data.”

Added Schweyer, “We want to ensure all children are getting a quality education through the program, the taxpayers are getting exactly what they are paying for through the program and that the program isn’t just providing tax benefits to corporations.”

Tuesday’s informational meeting can be viewed here. Testimony submitted for Tuesday’s informational meeting can be found here.

Additional information about this and other House Education Committee hearings can be found at pahouse.com/educationcommittee.