Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Some of the happiest memories of my life include my years of Catholic education. To this day, I am grateful for the opportunity I was afforded to learn in an environment in which I was nurtured not only academically, but also in my relationship with Jesus Christ.
Now, as Bishop of Altoona-Johnstown, one of my great joys is seeing young people come to know and serve the Lord through their experience in the great Catholic schools in our diocese. Our students are truly receiving a firm foundation rooted in faith, knowledge, and service to others.
This is why I am so disappointed to hear about House Bill 2632, which has been introduced in the Pennsylvania Legislature. If the measure passes, it will have a catastrophic impact on Catholic education here in our diocese and throughout Pennsylvania.
HB 2632 seeks to end the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program and attempts to recreate it in a way that harms students by establishing a series of bureaucratic administrative procedures while cutting more than $100 million in funding.
Those cuts will almost certainly lead to the closures of Catholic schools and greatly limit the ability of parents to choose the best education options for their children.
We cannot allow this to happen without making our voices heard. Please join me in reaching out to our state senators and state representatives and urging them to oppose HB 2632.
Life is filled with many blessings and challenges. Catholic education nurtures our precious young people in faith and prepares them for success in the future. It is our duty to make sure that opportunity continues for every student and family that wants it. Again, please contact your state lawmakers and ask them to join us in this effort. Click HERE to send a message to legislators.
Sincerely in Christ,Â
Most Rev. Mark L. Bartchak
Bishop of Altoona-Johnstown
