Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District

May 14, 2026

School Choice Program Should be Available to PA Families

It is not often that I write about federal legislation and laws in this column. As a state legislator, my primary focus is legislation proposed and considered in Harrisburg and how it impacts residents in the 55th district.

Every so often, however, federal policies intersect with Pennsylvania’s. As a member of the House Education Committee, I was interested to read how a new federal law establishes a tax credit program. Beginning in 2027, when filing their taxes, Americans will be able to contribute up to $1,700 to a nonprofit scholarship granting organization (SGO) to claim a credit. 

SGOs will then use the donations to fund scholarships and other education services, like tutoring and book costs, for students in both private and public schools. Funds may also be allocated toward homeschooling costs. It’s important to note that SGOs may not be affiliated or part of a school or school system. 

Families seeking to enroll their students in non-public schools are eligible to receive scholarship funds if their household earnings are not more than 300% of their home county’s median income. Parents will not be able to direct tax credits directly to their own child’s education expenses.

Participation in the federal program is voluntary, leaving the decision to each state’s governor or a state agency. Gov. Josh Shapiro has not made his position known on this matter.

Personally, I am a proponent of school choice. I, as well as my children, are products of our local public schools and we have nothing but high regards for the education we received. We know that children learn differently, and some students are better positioned for success in non-traditional environments.

I also believe in empowering parents. Between the many studies and overall agreement from just about every education professional, student performance is much better if their parents are dedicated to their education. If parents are going to be actively engaged in what, how and when their children are learning, they should have the tools to help them do just that.

The new federal law is similar to Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC), which allows the Commonwealth’s businesses to apply for a limited number of tax credits. Through that program, they contribute to an approved SGO that provides financial aid to pre-K programs, youth programs and private school students.

In 2022-23, there were nearly 165,000 applications submitted by economically eligible students. However, less than half were unfunded because the EITC program has a donation cap set at $540 million.

While having so many applications unfunded demonstrates an obvious demand, one of the biggest questions will be whether the federal program will be available to Pennsylvania families. 

But make no mistake, the subject of school choice is not partisan. A study published by the American Federation for Children found that in Pennsylvania, 64% of Democrats, 76% of Republicans and 73% of Independents support school choice scholarships.

This is why Gov. Shapiro should embrace the new policy and make Pennsylvania the 28th state to sign on to the federal program.

Here are some additional news topics and reminders I would like to share.

Primary Election Day Tomorrow – Tomorrow, Tuesday, May 19, is primary Election Day. Voters will have the opportunity to choose their party’s candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, U.S. House of Representatives, state House and Senate (in even-numbered senatorial districts), as well as state and local committee members. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. For information about local polling locations, contact the Westmoreland County Election Bureau at 724-830-3150 or visit westmorelandcountypa.gov and navigate to the Elections section.

Voters who have chosen to vote by mail-in or civilian absentee ballot must have those ballots back to their county Board of Elections no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day. Only voters registered as Republicans or Democrats are eligible to vote for candidates in the primary election. For comprehensive information about the state’s elections, visit vote.pa.gov. 

Penalties for Using Handheld Devices Take Effect June 6 - A Pennsylvania law banning the use of handheld devices while driving has been in effect since last June, with violators being issued warnings. Starting June 6, violators will instead face fines. 
 
Paul Miller’s Law limits the use of handheld cellphones or other communication devices while operating a motor vehicle. The law is named for a young man who was killed in a crash involving a distracted tractor-trailer driver in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, in 2010.

Under the law, driving while holding a mobile device is a primary violation, meaning police can pull over drivers solely for the violation. Effective June 6, violators will be issued a summary offense, which carries a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees. If a driver is convicted of homicide by vehicle and driving while distracted, they may be sentenced up to an additional five years in prison.

Drivers can still use their phones if using hands-free technology, such as a docking station, Bluetooth or speaker technology. You may also use your phone to contact emergency responders. 

According to PennDOT, more than 11,000 crashes were the result of distracted driving, leading to 65 deaths and 6,700 injuries in 2023. Pennsylvania joins 28 other states with hands-free laws. 



Representative Jill Cooper
55th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jordan Frei
724.875.8450
jfrei@pahousegop.com