Nov. 29, 2016
HARRISBURG - Speaker of the House Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) today praised the selection of school reform advocate Elisabeth “Betsy” DeVos as secretary of education, saying President-elect Donald Trump has taken “a bold step toward needed education reform.”
“Betsy DeVos has strived for a students-first education policy,” said Turzai. “She has shown a steadfast commitment to allowing students and families to choose the schools that best meet their educational needs – whether public, charter or private.”
DeVos, a Michigan philanthropist and education reform advocate, is chair of the American Federation for Children, which is considered one of the nation’s leading school choice advocacy groups. She says her goal is “to empower parents to choose the best education for their children.” DeVos has been involved in education for 28 years, trying to make learning better for all children.
Turzai has been a strong advocate of school choice, championing the expansion of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) scholarships in the most recent state budget. He also authored the amendment creating the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) program. The two programs give tax credits to eligible businesses contributing to a scholarship organization, an educational improvement organization, and/or a pre-kindergarten scholarship organization. Turzai also sponsored the amendment providing for a formal application and appeal process to approve charter schools and seats in the School District of Philadelphia.
DeVos’ appointment must be considered by the U.S. Senate, along with other nominations from Trump.
Representative Mike Turzai | Speaker of the House
28th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
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