Judge rules state is failing its constitutional duty

On Wednesday, a judge sharply rebuked the state government for “defaulting on its constitutional duty” to give kids an adequate education, ordering massive changes to how public education is delivered.

The groundbreaking decision could reshape public education in the state, plagued by longstanding funding problems that advocates and parents say shortchange schools in the poorest districts.

From the New York Times: The current system “has left rich school districts to flourish and poor school districts to founder,” Judge Thomas Moukawsher said, betraying a promise in the State Constitution to give children a “fair opportunity for an elementary and secondary school education.” 

The prayers of students have at long last been answered. Unfortunately, they’re not Pennsylvania students.

The ruling came down from the State Superior Court in Hartford, Connecticut in a case 10 years in the making. Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court hears opening arguments in a very similar lawsuit on Tuesday. 

 Show up for justice! Join us September 13th as our kids finally have their day before the PA Supreme Court. Sign up here.

For insight into how funding and race affect student success, check out this special feature in the New York Times.

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Community organizations sue EPA for poor lead standards

Also before the courts: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has failed to update standards that protect families against toxic lead paint and lead dust, according to a coalition of national and regional organizations. 

“The Flint crisis puts the dangers of lead poisoning in the national spotlight,” said Earthjustice attorney Hannah Chang, who filed the suit on behalf of the groups. “These organizations want people to know that lead exposure is irreversibly damaging people’s health in communities all over the country and they want EPA to do its job to protect children from harm. The most common cause of lead poisoning in children in this country is the ingestion of lead dust from old house paint.”

We applaud Earthjustice and the plaintiffs in this case. Their victory in this suit would be a victory for children and families across the country.

Have you signed the petition to tell your state legislators to increase funding to the Pennsylvania Healthy Homes program? Help secure the funding we need to get the lead out of our homes.