What’s the Difference Between the Candidates? Find out at the First Gubernatorial Debate Monday Night
The first debate between incumbent Governor Tom Corbett and his challenger Tom Wolf will be held Monday, September 22nd at 7:30 pm. A new bipartisan poll shows that more than two-thirds of likely voters want every three-and four-year-old child in Pennsylvania to have access to high-quality pre-K programs. Both candidates claim they want to expand Pre-K, hopefully in this debate we will find out how they plan to do so if elected.
We created a simple game you can play to track what the candidates are saying, or are not saying, about policies that will improve the lives of children. انقر هنا to download the PCCY Governor’s Debate Bingo Game and fill in the board as you listen to what the candidates have to say. PCCY is asking supporters to join the تمهيدي K لـ PA Twitter discussion during the debate. Post your debate comments using hashtags #IamPreK and #PAChamberDinner.
Here’s a sample tweet to send to the candidates before the debate so they know you will be watching:
Hey Tom @CorbettForGov @WolfForPA — Let’s talk #PreK at Monday night’s #PAgov debate! cc @Owens_abc27 @PreK4PA
The debate will air live on PCN. انقر هنا for channel listings for your area.
Show your support for Pre-K for PA on your front lawn. Email info@prekforpa.org to get your very own Pre-K for PA lawn sign.
Senate Bill 76 Will Hurt Schools and Hike Up Taxes on Struggling Pennsylvanians
Pennsylvania State Senate members appear to be bowing to election year pressure by supporting Senate Bill 76 which will further erode the funds for education and increase the tax burden for schools on individuals on fixed and low incomes. The bill is a shortsighted and poorly constructed attempt to respond to rising property taxes by completely eliminating all school property taxes and replacing some of the funds raised by property taxes by steep hikes in the sales and personal income tax rates statewide. The State Senate Finance Committee narrowly passed the bill by a 6-5 vote earlier this week. Senate Bill 76 is now heading to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Tell the members of this committee to vote “No” on this bill today.
Click here to send a letter to members of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Cigarette Bill Can Not Go Up in Smoke
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives is poised to vote this Monday on legislation that will allow Philadelphia to increase its cigarette tax rate and help close the school district’s $81 million deficit. A State House Rules Committee unanimously approved a version of the bill that would provide funds for Philadelphia schools that removes two provisions that were inserted by the State Senate. Now the bill must go back to the Senate for approval.
Philadelphia public school students can not endure more of this political ping-pong match between the State House and Senate. School District Superintendent Dr. William Hite has made it clear that if the cigarette tax is not enacted by the end of the month, the District may have to lay off as many as 1,300 teachers and increase class sizes.
Are you on Twitter? Here are some tweets you can send directly to State Senators in our area:
Click here to send a letter to your local State Senator telling him or her to support the cigarette tax without any more amendments.
Child Poverty on the Rise in Southeastern Pennsylvania
Children remain America’s poorest citizens, according to new data released this week by the U.S. Census Bureau. In southeastern Pennsylvania, child poverty rose dramatically in Bucks, Chester, and Montgomery counties since the recession. In Bucks and Chester Counties, a startling increase can be found with nearly twice as many children living in poverty now than before the recession. In Montgomery County, children aren’t much better off, with 8% of children now very poor – a jump of more than 50% since the recession.
Research proves that poverty has a negative impact on student success and their overall health. Children living in poverty are more likely to drop out of school and suffer from behavioral health issues and hunger, according to the American Psychological Association. The census data proves that while the nation’s economy has improved since the recession, the recovery has not reached children who continue to suffer.
انقر هنا to read the full report from the U.S. Census Bureau.