Growing Support for School Choice in Illinois and Pennsylvania

Protect The 1st welcomes the news that Democratic Pennsylvania gubernatorial candidate Josh Shapiro added a private school choice plan, Lifeline Scholarships, to his education plan. In Illinois, where more than 7,000 students benefit from a state tax-credit scholarship program, Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker reversed his opposition to this scholarship program so it will continue to provide financial support for thousands of students to attend private and parochial schools.
 
Shapiro and Pritzker are not alone. Today, 31 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico have private school choice programs. Twenty-one states offer tax-credit programs for parents. And 45 states plus Washington, D.C., permit public charter schools.
 
“Governors are responding to the evidence that for millions of children, school choice is a powerful first step on the ladder to success,” said Rick Boucher, former U.S. Representative from Virginia, and Protect The 1st Senior Policy Advisor. “It is in the finest tradition of our party to provide quality education for American children across all zip codes. I am glad to see my fellow Democrats take up the mantle.”