News & Brews July 17, 2023
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What’s next for school choice in Pa.?
The Inquirer notes that Gov. Josh Shapiro still says he supports Lifeline Scholarships. But, given House Democrats’ opposition, Shapiro said he would line-item veto it, with a promise from House Democrats to revisit the issue. “The House is now preparing a series of joint committee hearings to study the issue. They’ll likely take place in the early fall, said [House Education Committee Chair] Rep. Peter Schweyer.” Schweyer, a Democrat, is firmly opposed to school choice—ironic as he attended a private Catholic high school.
Op-Ed: ‘Education freedom is right thing to do’
Jeff and Janine Yass have an op-ed in the Inquirer sharing their motivation for advocating for school choice. “When we saw the dramatic improvements in cities from Washington, D.C., to Los Angeles that could be created when parents have choices,” they write, “we wanted to bring those solutions home.” They continue, “We wanted to help more children have better options because we believe education could improve the rest of their lives — which could, in turn, create a more equitable society as a whole.”
Pa. prepping to spend big on broadband
Spotlight Pa. reports that Pa. is slated to receive nearly $1.2 billion in federal funding to expand high-speed internet in the state. But still to be determined is exactly how the money will be spent. And to figure this out, “[a] lot of work still needs to be done.”
Pew says Philly’s wage tax cut will have ‘little impact’ on tax burden
An analysis by The Pew Charitable Trusts found “Philadelphia’s reduction to its resident wage tax rate—approved on June 22, 2023 and set to take effect on July 1, 2023—will have little impact on the overall local tax burdens of city resident households.” The “reductions amount to $75 a year for the highest-income homeowner, $20 for the middle-income owner, and $1 for the lowest-income owner.” It’s no secret we’re fans of tax cuts. So this news should only spur a desire to further reduce taxes!