The Education Committee

The Pennsylvania Constitution clearly states the General Assembly shall provide for the maintenance and support of a thorough and efficient system of public education to serve the needs of the Commonwealth. 

The House Education Committee is composed of 14 Democrats and 11 Republicans. Each caucus separately elects a majority and minority chair. Starting with the 2023/24 legislative session, Rep. Peter Schweyer, from Lehigh County is the Democratic chairman of the committee. 

The House Education Committee is responsible for considering issues and legislation related to Pennsylvania’s education system from Kindergarten through 12th grade, including addressing adequate and equitable funding, the special education funding system, as well as addressing school safety, supporting teachers and bringing more qualified teachers to Pennsylvania, funding for school facility construction and upgrades, as well as legislation and issues relating to  post-secondary educatiion and increasing college opportunities for students.

The committee has a dedicated staff analyzing legislation, preparing legislation to be brought before the committee for voting and planning and executing informational hearings on several important issues relating to K-12 and higher education. This is why there are signs in offices throughout the state Capitol which say, the House Education Committee is the hardest working committee in the PA House.