Vote On Tuition Vouchers Delayed After Corbett's Comments On WPHT

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - It appears that, over the objections of Governor Corbett, legislative action on a school tuition voucher bill may be pushed back until fall.

Governor Corbett, appearing on WPHT's Dom Giordano Show last week, reiterated that a tuition voucher program is a priority for him, "I believe we need school choice and we need it right now."

But support for vouchers in the House is not clear. The Senate has been considering a bill that would create a voucher program and expand a tax credit for businesses that contribute to private school scholarships. The House last week passed a bill that would expand the tax credit without creating a voucher program.

Chester Republican Dominic Pileggi, the Senate majority leader, says the Senate is waiting for a commitment from the House on vouchers, "Until that path is clear, there's no purpose in simply moving the bill through the Senate."

But a spokesman for House GOP leaders says the House is waiting for the Senate bill. And Pileggi's spokesman says the senator believes action on vouchers could slide until fall.

Reported by Harrisburg Bureau Chief Tony Romeo, KYW Newsradio 1060