State Rep. Pamela A. DeLissio, D-Montgomery/Phila., attended a Public Citizens for Children and Youth rally on the Capitol rotunda steps on Aug. 4 in response to the cancellation of this week’s House voting session scheduled to address the Philadelphia School District’s funding crisis.

She said that the state’s delay in authorizing a higher cigarette tax in Philadelphia to help fund the School District of Philadelphia is a huge disappointment because it could disrupt the school year for more than 133,000 traditional public school children, as well as the work schedules of their parents and other caregivers.

“Philadelphia’s families and students face a dire situation, and time is of the essence,” she said. “My commitment is to get this done and to get it done with some alacrity, so that the school district does not have to send out layoff notices, parents will know that their children will not be in a classroom with 39 other students, and students themselves will not be caught up in this chaos. Our children need to go to school and prepare to be a part of tomorrow’s workforce.

“This latest twist in the School District of Philadelphia funding saga further demonstrates the desperate need for a basic education funding formula to ensure that children throughout Pennsylvania receive the education to which they are entitled.

“It is my hope that the majority party will reconsider and return to session as soon as possible, so that the Philadelphia school year can begin on time and with sufficient financial resources.”

DeLissio said she encourages constituents to email Speaker of the House Sam Smith at shsmith@pahousegop.com and tell him to reconvene session before the House’s scheduled return Sept. 15 so that Philadelphia schools can open on time this year.

Montgomery Media – August 11, 2014 – Read article online