Pennsylvania

"The good news regarding homeless children in Pennsylvania is that their number has decreased since 2006, the last time the National Center on Family Homelessness compiled a national report on the topic. But the bad news is, the number increased after the economic slump of 2008."

"An estimated 75 percent of the South Philadelphia children Fleisher serves live at or below the federal poverty line, and close to 50 percent speak English as a second language, Braun said."

"Around 12 million people are taking advantage of tax benefits averaging more than $1,200. And while recent changes make low-income families better able to take advantage of those credits, a growing proportion of the benefit goes to families earning more than $100,000."

"Legislation to help low-income families pay private school tuition is on its way to the Senate floor. In a 9-2 vote Tuesday, the Senate Education Committee put the controversial school-choice bill in position for a vote as soon as today. The legislation would provide vouchers for private schools and expand tax credits for businesses that contribute to scholarship programs for low- and middle-income children."

"Stress must be a constant companion when you're 90 years old, poor and homeless, and you've been driving - heaven help us, Barnes still drives - all over the city looking for an affordable, safe place to lay your weary head."

"That is a triumph for a school that takes all comers and has the numbers to prove it - 30 percent of students are English language learners, 20 percent require special-education services, and 75 percent live below the poverty line."