PA Senate OKs $200M Voucher Boost for Private Schools

HARRISBURG — The Republican-controlled Pennsylvania Senate approved legislation Thursday to expand education vouchers by $200 million, doubling down on school choice amid ongoing debates over public school funding. The bill, building on earlier proposals like the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success (PASS) program, would fund scholarships allowing K-12 students to attend private schools, with awards ranging from $2,500 to $15,000 per student depending on grade level and special education needs. Initially reported by CBS Philadelphia, the measure targets eligible students on a first-come, first-served basis starting in the 2024-25 school year, with funding drawn from state income taxes.[1] Senate Bill 795, which advanced through the chamber, marks a significant escalation from the $100 million voucher plan Senate Republicans pushed in the 2023 budget negotiations, which stalled due to opposition from the Democrat-controlled House. Proponents, led by GOP senators, argue the expansion addresses failures in districts like Philadelphia, where Gov. Josh Shapiro's 2025-26 budget proposal allocates over $200 million more to city schools — including $137 million from adequacy funding post a 2023 court ruling — yet local leaders say it falls short of the $975 million needed for 200,000 students. Shapiro, who once backed vouchers but omitted them from recent budgets, has not commented on the latest Senate action.[2][1] Critics, including the ACLU of Pennsylvania, which opposes related voucher efforts like SB 10 in the 2025-2026 session, warn the $200 million shift diverts resources from underfunded public schools statewide. The Senate's move comes as the state navigates a $45 billion budget impasse, with vouchers remaining a flashpoint; the House previously rejected similar provisions. Supporters point to preference for prior recipients in future years and growth tied to public school funding increases as safeguards.[4][1] As the bill moves to the House, where Democrats hold sway, its fate remains uncertain ahead of the June 30 budget deadline. Philadelphia districts, receiving $1.6 billion in state aid under Shapiro's plan, stand to lose out if vouchers pass, fueling urban-rural divides in Pennsylvania's education wars.[2]