Please join me as a co-sponsor of legislation to help parents of student-athletes afford the escalating costs of participation in youth sports. All children, regardless of family circumstances, deserve a fair opportunity to learn the values of teamwork and perseverance through youth sports. The benefits are even more tangible, as the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness & Nutrition Science Board found that participation in youth sports provides mental, emotional, social, and physical benefits for students. 

Under this legislation, parents of Pennsylvania primary and secondary students would be eligible for a tax credit of up to $3,000 to offset the costs of qualifying expenses related to youth sports, including equipment, travel costs, and team fees.  The credit would be available for costs for all levels of competition, ranging from competitive travel teams to friendly club play.

Most parents are continuously working to balance the competing needs of their careers, their home life, and the needs of their children. This tax credit is a modest effort to remove the financial barriers that can keep students from being able to reap the rewards of participation in youth sports.

I look forward to working with you on this important legislation.