Michael Sauers

September 4, 2025

I make no bones about my position on public education. It needs to be adequately funded, which it is not, because it is an indispensable component of a free society. Substantial funding for public education should be a priority as it promotes independent, critical thinking which is so necessary for democracy. Also, it is a huge economic development tool which works to involve large communities of citizens in deciding their economic futures. Included in this is a well educated, appropriately payed community of educators. All of this is subject to research, discussion and consensus.

I am not opposed to private schools regardless of how they are configured. I do not want taxpayer money to fund them. If you want to send your child to a private school that is your privilege but do not ask taxpayers to fund them. It is quite clear that the PA Constitution prohibits taxpayer money from funding sectarian schools (Article III, Section 15).

Now, the State of Pennsylvania is not above acting unconstitutionally. They recently had their rear ends handed to them for unconstitutional school funding which went on for decades. They also have acted unconstitutionally regarding Article I, Section 27 which clearly states the people have the right to clean air, pure water and the preservation of the natural, scenic, historic and esthetic values of the environment. This was abused for decades.

Regarding education, Pennsylvania has two programs, EITC (Educational Improvement Tax Credit) and OSTC (Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit) that have loopholed around the constitution/law. These programs allow businesses to receive tax credits (CORPORATE WELFARE) by funding private and religious schools. Critics argue and I agree that private school’s effectiveness measurement is non existent because the State is prohibited from collecting data???????????? There is a serious lack of transparency and high administrative costs. Critics also argue that private/religious schools have discriminatory practices, inequitable access, and a lack of accreditation and standards. This CORPORATE WELFARE program diverts money away from public schools which are already underfunded. It is disgraceful!

There is more. Use your education and do some research.