In response to recently passed legislation increasing caps for tax credit scholarships, the Tribune-Review hopes we can bog the scholarships down in endless discussion (“School choice should be discussed, not automatic.” More discussion sounds great — unless you’re one of the tens of thousands of families denied scholarships every year. Despite the clear need, there is currently no process to ensure scholarships increase with demand.
Every time we debate this issue, one fact looms large: We need more scholarships, because each application represents a student in need. But political considerations stop some lawmakers from supporting increases.
Families are looking for options, whether to rescue a child from a dangerous school or find a curriculum that fits their learning style. While there are plenty of good district schools, many parents would rather send their children to charter or private schools.
What the Tribune-Review advocates is what we have done for the past 18 years: debate. Meanwhile, over half of scholarship applicants are trapped in failing district schools, watching their best learning years melt away.
The “discussion” is over, and the verdict is in. People want choice. Not only for today, but for generations to come.
Janson Prieb
Harrisburg
The writer is an intern with the Commonwealth Foundation.