Scholarship Bill Wins Bipartisan Support in Senate Education Committee

HARRISBURG - The Senate Education Committee advanced bipartisan legislation today to provide more educational options to children in low-performing public schools, according to committee chair Sen. Dave Argall (R-29).

Senate Bill 795, sponsored by Sen. Judy Ward (R-30), would establish the PASS (Pennsylvania Award for Student Success) Program to provide students in low-performing schools with scholarships to attend the school of their choice.

Sen. Anthony Williams (D-Philadelphia) spoke passionately in support of this legislation, noting the strong support for these scholarships from the students and parents he represents. He said the students in his district who attend struggling schools "need a different path and a different opportunity… and that pathway will lead to success stories across the country."

During Governor Shapiro's budget address earlier this year, he referenced his continued support for "scholarships that let poor families in struggling school districts put their kids in the best position for them to succeed - whether that's paying for extra tutoring, books and computers, or yes, going to another school."

The committee also approved House Bill 1097, sponsored by Rep. Jim Haddock (D-118), which would require a moment of silence to remember the events of September 11, 2001 in schools every year. The bill also requires the Department of Education to develop model curriculum about the significance and impact of 9/11.

Both bills now advance to the full Senate.

CONTACT: Jim Brugger