Dec. 31, 2015
HARRISBURG – Rep. Craig Staats (R-Bucks) issued the following statement in response to letters sent by Gov. Tom Wolf last week to businesses notifying them that their applications to the educational tax credit programs have been conditionally approved even though the 2015-16 state budget has not yet been fully finalized.
The Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) is a popular state program that benefits public and private school students. Businesses receive an incentive, the tax credit, to donate to education programs.
He said: “The organizations that depend on the EITC for critical funding have been waiting for this for nearly six months. However, many are concerned that sending the letters out so late in the year have cost these organizations donations.
“Once the state sends out the tax credit approval letters, businesses that operate on a Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 fiscal year then must send their donation to eligible scholarship and educational improvement organizations and receive a receipt back from those organizations before the year ends to be able to apply the tax credit toward their 2015 tax liability, unless rules surrounding that requirement are relaxed this year due to the protracted state budget negotiations.
“Once again, our governor is jeopardizing the fate of children – who have no say in the state of this budget impasse. My responsibility to advocate on behalf of them is one I take seriously. This was a hasty move by the governor and it penalized many organizations that seek to improve our community and the future of our children.”
Representative Craig Staats
145th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Morgan Dux
717.260.6695
mdux@pahousegop.com
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