Program would help students in low-performing schools

HARRISBURG – The state Senate late yesterday approved landmark legislation containing language sponsored by Sen. Judy Ward (R-30) and Senator Anthony Williams (D-8) that would offer scholarships to students in the commonwealth’s lowest-performing schools so they can access better educational opportunities.

“I am immensely proud of my Senate colleagues for supporting this historic legislation.  These scholarships can offer parents and students the hope that comes with a quality education,” Ward said. “Our children are our most valuable asset, and education is their most valuable tool.  They should not be destined to a poor education just because of the zip code they live in.”

Ward and William’s Senate Bill 795, which was included as part of House Bill 479, would establish the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success (PASS) Scholarship Program in Pennsylvania. PASS scholarships would provide funding for children in kindergarten through the 12th grade in the lowest 15% of schools in statewide performance standards.

The program, which would be administered by the Department of the Treasury, would provide $2,500 scholarships for students in half-day kindergarten; $5,000 for students in kindergarten through the 8th grade; $10,000 for students in the 9th through 12th grade; and $12,000 for students with special needs.

Scholarships would be available to students living in households with an income below 250% of the federal poverty level, which equates to $75,000 this year for a family of four.

The legislation has the potential to help students in 382 schools across 79 school districts.

The annual state budget bill, which also is making its way through the legislative process this week, is expected to provide $100 million in funding for the PASS Program. The new state fiscal year begins July 1.

“I urge the Democrats in the House to put the children of Pennsylvania first, make this bill a priority, take swift action and get it to the governor’s desk so he can sign it into law,” Ward said. “Pennsylvania students trapped in underperforming schools cannot wait any longer for this to opportunity at a brighter future to become a reality.”

Video of Ward’s remarks in the Senate are available here.

Residents can follow Ward on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SenJudyWard and Twitter @SenatorJWard for news about legislation and the 30th Senate District. Contact information for her district offices and other information can be found on her website at SenatorJudyWard.com, and constituents also can sign up for her e-newsletter at SenatorJudyWard.com/enewsletters.

Contact: Nathan Akers
717-787-2421

HARRISBURG – Today, Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-39), Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-41) and Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Scott Martin (R-13) emphasized their ongoing commitment to ensuring educational opportunities for all children in Pennsylvania are realized in the 2023-2024 state budget:

“Since the governor’s budget address in March, the Senate Republican Caucus has been focused on carefully and thoughtfully developing a sustainable budget that respects taxpayers and addresses the needs of the people of Pennsylvania. We have been encouraged by our negotiations with Governor Shapiro and remain focused on getting a final product across the finish line.

“Successful governing requires cooperation and compromise. Tonight, the Senate has sent the House legislation to implement the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success (PASS) Initiative, a bipartisan program to give children in Pennsylvania access to the best learning environment possible. Once House Bill 479 reaches the governor’s desk, we will continue our work to send the General Appropriations bill and all other budget related bills to the House.”

Video: Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-39)
Video: Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-41)
Video: Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Scott Martin (R-13)

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Erica Clayton Wright (Sen. Ward) ewright@pasen.gov
Kate Eckhart Flessner (Sen. Pittman) kflessner@pasen.gov
Jason Thompson (Sen. Martin) jthompson@pasen.gov

HARRISBURG – Sens. Cris Dush (R-25), Maria Collett (D-12) and Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-28) expressed gratitude to their Senate colleagues today for unanimously advancing their shared legislation to ensure that sexually exploited children who are human trafficking victims always have full access to appropriate services and support.

Tragically, under current Pennsylvania law, any minor that is exploited for commercial sex must identify their third-party perpetrator to be considered a victim of human trafficking, unless their purchaser is charged as a trafficker.

“No matter how a district attorney chooses to prosecute, sexually exploited children should never be subject to the emotional and physical trauma of identifying their human trafficking perpetrator to obtain services that they desperately need for healing and recovery,” said Dush. “Enactment of this bipartisan, collaborative legislation would finally ensure that any child who is preyed upon for commercial sex will be legitimately recognized as a victim of human trafficking under the law.”

Sponsored by Dush, Senate Bill 44 would ensure that third-party control is never a consideration for access to victim services by amending Titles 18 and 23 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. In addition to the important changes this legislation makes to the trafficking section, Dush’s office worked with the Office of the Attorney General to modify Section 6318 to allow law enforcement to pose as a third party, or a seller, when working undercover.

“As we continue to ensure law enforcement have every resource they need to prevent, investigate and prosecute human traffickers, we must also do everything we can to make sure victims have the tools and resources they need to recover and thrive,” said Collett. “These bills will remove an unnecessary barrier to services like counseling, childcare, legal assistance and other supports that enable victims to become survivors.”

Collett’s Senate Bill 45 would eliminate the third-party control requirement to access victim services under the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline Notification Act (Act 197 of 2012).

“I applaud my colleagues in the Senate for building on the bipartisan success of Act 1 of 2020 to remain vigilant in our fight against human trafficking in every corner of the state and ensure that criminals are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” Phillips-Hill said. “This legislation will ensure that the most vulnerable victims of these heinous acts, children, are able to get the critical support services they need without hinderance.”  

Senate Bills 44 and 45 now advance to the PA House for consideration.

CONTACTS

For Senator Dush:  Ty McCauslin, Communications Director at 717-787-7084 or tmccauslin@pasen.gov.

For Senator Collett:  Bailey Landis, Communications Director at 215-688-0493 or Bailey.Landis@pasenate.com.

HARRISBURG – The House Transportation Committee unanimously passed a bill sponsored by Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-37) allowing doorless driving for vehicles such as Jeeps and Broncos in Pennsylvania.

“I am pleased that the House Transportation Committee voted in favor of this legislation,” Robinson said. “We are one step closer to aligning Pennsylvania with the rest of the nation by allowing doorless driving.”

Senate Bill 298 adheres to logistical and safety standards important to residents and law enforcement, including requiring side view mirrors when doors are removed and upholding the seatbelt protections in place for minors.

The bill now heads to the full House for consideration.

CONTACT:
Allison Dutrey