Pennychuick Backs Scholarships For Underperforming Schools In PA

HARRISBURG, PA —State Sen. Tracy Pennychuick said she supports Pennsylvania Award for Student Success Program, which provides scholarships for children in the state’s poorest districts.

“No matter a student’s race, sex, religion, zip code, or economic status, every child deserves access to a high-quality education,” Pennychuick wrote in a prepared statement.

Pennychuick, a Republican representing northern Montgomery County, including Limerick, and eastern Berks County, said she supports the inclusion of the school voucher program in the 2023-24 budget.

The budget has not yet been adopted. Senate and House are officials scheduled to return to session until September.

Under the program, students attending a school performing in the lowest 15 percent of achievement and living in a household 250 percent or below the federal poverty level of $75,000 for a family of four can qualify for a scholarship to go to a better-performing school.

Pennychuick said she is hopeful that the scholarship program will be included in the final budget.

The proposed budget included $100 million for the scholarship program.

Pennychuick said that some lawmakers believe the voucher program is an attack on public education.

“I wholeheartedly support public education, as I support all avenues that provide the fertile ground for children to grow and blossom into future leaders,” she said.