Important tax credit

There is a very effective educational improvement tool that benefits all Pennsylvania students and it is being dramatically reduced in the budget battle in Harrisburg. The state is again threatening to lower funds available through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program. EITC was developed several years ago and is lauded nationally for its ability to save taxpayers money, give parents choice in education, support special educational programs and improve communities. It is a win-win-win-win-win program.

Win 1: Families (like mine) can select the school that most closely meets the needs of their children, and private school can be an affordable option.

Win 2: The public school district where the student resides still receives the district revenues of families who choose private schools.

Win 3: Public schools also participate. Public schools receive EITC funds directly for special programs and educational needs -- increasing money available for the operation of public schools.

Win 4: Businesses that participate are able to see their tax money at work in their regions, the school districts they serve and the communities that support them (instead of sending it off to the black hole of Harrisburg).

Win 5: The communities, which now offer diverse, quality education, benefit from being more attractive places to live and raise families.

Please let your legislator know that EITC is an important tax credit program. We want to continue to improve the educational opportunities for all children in our state, and this is one very winning way to do it.

MARILYN WALSH
Brookline