HARRISBURG – This week, the Pennsylvania House passed H.B. 2632 introduced by state Rep. Nikki Rivera. The stated objective of the bill is to increase accountability and transparency in the state’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit programs. The bill would address what Rivera calls data gaps and help ensure that program funds are reaching their intended recipients.
But Representative Brian Cutler voted against the bill citing inadequate time to review 2632 and related bills (2633 and 2634). Cutler also claims that the bills would limit school choice.
Under the bill participating schools would be required to provide information to the Department of Education, and participating businesses to submit information to the Department of Revenue. Also, participating entities would undergo audits by the state Auditor General.
The legislation is now making its way to the Senate. Senator Scott Brown says that the bill goes against the spirit of the EITC and would cause many families benefiting from the program to be kicked off.
The bill is not expected to make it out of the Senate.