Representative Mike Turzai

Speaker of the House

28th District

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Media Contact: Neal Lesher

717.260.6495 (office) 717.507.9240 (cell)

NLesher@pahousegop.com

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 9, 2019

Turzai Discusses Educational Opportunities at White House with Students, Parents, Educators and Trump

Speaker supports the work of federal government for school choice

WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Speaker Mike Turzai (R-Allegheny) joined President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and leaders from around the United States today at the White House for a roundtable discussion of expanding educational opportunities.

“It is a great honor to be invited to the White House to join this panel and discuss school choice, something that I am passionate about,” said Turzai. “One size does not fit all. Parents, grandparents and guardians should have the opportunity to send their child to a school that best suits their educational needs.

“The proposal to use state tax credit scholarships put together by President Trump, Secretary Devos and Sen. Ted Cruz will provide more educational opportunities for more students across the United States. We truly support your work because every child deserves access to quality education, and we have a responsibility to ensure that families who cannot afford that education receive assistance to do it.”

Turzai authored legislation to allow students in Harrisburg City schools to attend a school of their choice through tuition scholarships. The Harrisburg School District has remained among the worst-performing Pennsylvania schools for decades, despite sustained efforts at reform, both locally and through state involvement. From 2000 through 2010, the state placed the district under the control of the mayor through the Education Empowerment Act. In 2012, the state placed the district in financial recovery status. In June, the district entered state receivership.

To view the full event seen on C-Span today, click here: https://www.c-span.org/video/?467229-1/president-trump-reacts-doj-inspector-general-report-origins-fbi-russia-probe

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