Educational Improvement Tax Credit

Part 1: The EITC — What Is It?

The Educational Improvement Tax Credit is promoted as a way to provide a better education for poor children, but public education advocates say it actually takes away tax money that could be used to improve schools.

2012/11/08

Susan Gobreski, of Education Voters of Pennsylvania. Her organization says the EITC undermines public education. Credit: Pat Loeb)

Part 2: Who’s Hurt by the EITC?

Expanding the program at a time when the state has slashed public school funding is infuriating public education advocates.

2012/11/08

(Construction is underway on a new building on the campus of the Agnes Irwin School, in Rosemont, Pa. Credit: Pat Loeb)

Part 3: Who Benefits From It?

“BLOCS provides scholarships from your business taxes to students who not only want to attend a Catholic school but are most in need,” says one advertisement.

2012/11/08

(Pa. state senator Anthony Williams visits the Patterson Elementary School in Southwest Philadelphia. Credit: Pat Loeb)

Part 4: Ongoing Controversies

State senator Tony Williams defends the program as similar to the GI Bill, but some of his Harrisburg colleagues see it as improperly favoring closed groups.

2012/11/08

Many Philadelphia Schools Qualify For ‘Low-Achieving’ Tax Credits For Students

More than half of the school buildings in the School District of Philadelphia are on the list.

2012/07/25

Tuition Voucher Advocate Calls Alternative A ‘Distraction’

Reaffirming his support for vouchers, the state Senate majority leader calls a “distraction” the bill passed by the House Tuesday that would expand a tax credit program that encourages businesses to fund scholarships for private school tuition.

2011/05/11