(PHILADELPHIA) June 7, 2013 – More than 3,500 hard-working music and arts teachers, counselors, librarians and others will find out today that they will no longer have a job thanks to a lack of funding for Philadelphia schools. The district approved its “Doomsday” budget last Thursday. The budget would cut music, art, athletics, counselors, librarians, assistant principals, secretaries among others. Even books and paper will be cut from schools. Public Citizens for Children and Youth Executive Director Donna Cooper says “this is a devastating day for our city’s children. The doomsday cuts will turn our schools into glorified daycare centers, depriving students of the proper education they deserve.”
In an effort to avoid the cuts, the district has asked for:
- $120 million from the state
- $60 million from the City of Philadelphia
- More than $100 million in givebacks from the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers.
Philadelphia City Council has passed out of committee an increase in the City’s Use and Occupancy tax. Some of those funds would go towards funding schools. Council has also passed a $2 per pack tax on cigarettes, and is considering a proposal to raise the city’s liquor by the drink tax from 10% to 15%. Both of those taxes require permission from state lawmakers before they can go into effect. Cooper says “Our children are our future. We need the state to step up to the plate and does their part to make sure Philadelphia’s children can receive the kind of education taxpayers expect.” PCCY supports any measures of dedicated funding for schools.
For additional comment or to set up interviews, please contact Anthony Hopkins, Communications Director at 215-563-5848 ext. 23 or 484-433-7490 (c).
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