I am confused by the “controversy” surrounding Lifeline Scholarships. This program will provide scholarship accounts to students in Pennsylvania’s lowest-achieving schools so they can afford a private school.in basic education funding. Had Gov. Josh Shapiro not vetoed it, Lifeline Scholarships would have cost taxpayers $100 million—less than one percent of what we committed to public education in last year’s budget.
Lifeline Scholarships, a seemingly minor investment with a major return, could transform the commonwealth’s educational landscape and bring hope to thousands of students trapped in Pennsylvania’s worst schools. However, even if Lifeline Scholarships were to pass, Pennsylvania would still lag behind other states with robust educational choice programs.students are eligible for educational savings accounts —exceeds the Lifeline Scholarship proposal. Arizona ESAs, which have been in place since 2011, provide an average ofon ESAs.