Gov. Tom Wolf Vetoes Pa. Private Schools Bill
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) - Gov. Tom Wolf is vetoing budget-season legislation to substantially ramp up taxpayer support for private and religious schools in Pennsylvania.
In Wolf's veto message Tuesday, he questioned why Pennsylvania should expand a tax credit that subsidizes private institutions while the state's public school system remains underfunded.
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The Democratic governor also criticized the tax credit program as lacking accountability, saying little is known about its educational quality or the middleman groups that can withhold 20% of the money.
The Republican-controlled Legislature passed the bill over Wolf's objections amid budget discussions. Just four Democrats voted for it.
It would have nearly doubled the Educational Improvement Tax Credit to $210 million annually. The program effectively lets corporations and business people direct tens of millions in tax dollars to favored private and religious schools.
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