York County News

Dec. 07, 2023 - In a passionate plea for educational choice, Representative Joe D’Orsie of Pennsylvania highlights the overwhelming public support for such a system in the state. He emphasizes that the only obstacles to implementing educational choice are money, power, control, and politics. D’Orsie asserts that educational choice is a modern-day human rights issue and emphasizes the need to prioritize the educational freedom of young people.

D’Orsie acknowledges that Pennsylvania is lagging behind other states in terms of educational choice. He cites Ohio, West Virginia, North Carolina, Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, New Hampshire, and Utah as examples of states that have successfully implemented robust educational choice programs. He urges Pennsylvania to follow suit and embrace educational freedom.

The need for educational choice stems from various factors. D’Orsie argues that more funding does not necessarily lead to better student outcomes. Despite the allocation of $21,300 per pupil, about two-thirds of Pennsylvania fourth graders are not proficient in reading. Additionally, public school enrollment has declined while districts have increased administrative staff, leading to stagnated teacher salaries. D’Orsie cites studies that show the positive impact of choice programs on test results, parent favorability, school security, and fiscal considerations.

To address these issues, D’Orsie proposes the Student Freedom Account Act in Pennsylvania. This act would allow parents to use their tax dollars to send their children to the school of their choice. The accounts would be administered and managed by the Treasurer's office to ensure accountability. D’Orsie argues that continuing to invest more money in a system that has not worked for families without offering alternative options is disastrous. He urges Pennsylvania to prioritize the needs of children and provide them with the freedom to excel.

In conclusion, Representative Joe D’Orsie calls for the implementation of educational choice in Pennsylvania. He highlights the public support for such a system and emphasizes the need to overcome the obstacles of money, power, control, and politics. D’Orsie asserts that educational choice is a human rights issue and urges Pennsylvania to follow the example of other states that have successfully implemented choice programs. By empowering parents and giving them the freedom to choose the best education for their children, Pennsylvania can provide educational excellence for its students.

To learn more, click on this link: https://www.repjoed.com/News/33244/Latest-News/It%E2%80%99s-Time-for-Educational-Choice-in-Pennsylvania