A new solution for Pennsylvania’s perennial struggle over education funding began circulating in the Legislature on Wednesday.
This time, Republican Rep. Jason Ortitay, who represents a district southwest of Pittsburgh, wants to establish the Pennsylvania Education Endowment Fund using one-time state asset sales, expanded natural gas drilling on leased lands, a share of gambling revenue, public-private partnerships and investment returns from state bonds.
Altogether, Ortitay says the fund’s value will grow enough to replace all $16 billion collected from taxpayers to support public schools.
“For decades, Pennsylvanians have demanded relief from the crushing burden of school property taxes, especially seniors, working families, and homeowners on fixed incomes,” he said in a cosponsorship memo. “Previous proposals to eliminate these taxes have either relied on politically unworkable tax swaps or failed to provide a sustainable funding source for public education.”
The endowment fund, he said, would “chart a different course.”
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Author: Faith Novak
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