Oct. 06, 2023
HARRISBURG – State Rep. Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana) has a relatively simple solution to the problem of teacher shortages in Pennsylvania’s public schools. The timeline for achieving is now a little longer.
“My
House Bill 27 first passed both chambers unanimously, with the Senate making a good bill better with amendments I agree with,” Struzzi said. “When the legislation returned to the House for concurrence, it was altered strictly on party line committee votes with additions which resulted in a significant change. The work unfortunately is not done, but I’m far from finished seeing this through.”
Struzzi’s original intent was to make permanent certain provisions dealing with teacher shortages in
Act 91 of 2021 which expired at the end of the 2022-23 school year. House Bill 27 would give schools flexibility regarding the shortage of day-to-day substitute teachers through employing annuitants, prospective teachers and graduates of educator preparation programs as substitutes.
“House Bill 27 in its current form would make it more difficult for families looking to use the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) and Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit programs to improve their students’ learning opportunities,” added Struzzi. “That change only further delays much-needed help for schools, those students and their parents by requiring the state Senate to take the bill up again when they return Monday, Oct. 16.”
Questions about this or any legislative issue should be directed to Struzzi’s Indiana district office at 724-465-0220.
You may watch
Representative Struzzi's comments here.
Representative Jim Struzzi
62nd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Scott Little
717.260.6137 (office), 717.497.5937 (cell)
Slittle@pahousegop.com
RepStruzzi.com / Facebook.com/RepStruzzi