School choice first out of gate

Outside of the state budget mess, the two biggest issues facing Harrisburg this year are likely going to be school vouchers and Marcellus shale. Two senators introduced a symbolically named "SB1" on allowing low-income students to use tax money to attend private/parochial schools.

Here's the Times-Tribune (via Capitol Ideas):

The measure would allow students to take the per capita state subsidy that goes to their school district and apply it as tuition to the public, private or parochial school of their choice.

Sponsored by Sens. Jeffrey Piccola, R-15, Harrisburg, chairman of the Senate Education Committee; and Sen. Anthony Williams, D-8, Philadelphia, this bill is one of the first manifestations of the incoming Republican tide in Harrisburg. Gov.-elect Tom Corbett, who takes office Tuesday, endorsed school choice during the gubernatorial campaign.

. . . Mr. Piccola's bill isn't needed because the students he is targeting have the option of attending charter schools, said Gov. Ed Rendell while making an announcement about Pennsylvania's education ranking.

In other state news, here's Tracie Mauriello on Corbett's pick as DEP secretary and the LCB getting ready to restart its stalled wine kiosks.