The $1 Billion Win for Children in Southeastern Pennsylanvia
The winds of change are sweeping into the State Capitol. Breaking from the mold of his predecessor, Governor Wolf proposed a budget that, if adopted, would provide Southeastern Pennsylvania $1 billion in school funding and tax relief.
Governor Wolf’s proposal includes $400 million more for basic education funding which will move every school district closer to the level of state funding they received in FY 2011, before the harsh budget cuts were imposed. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, these new funds include a partial restoration of Charter Reimbursement payments to school districts. The Governor did not propose a new school funding formula, but indicated that a formula proposal would be forthcoming that would add $2 billion in state aid to districts over four years.
An eye-popping and welcome boost to early childhood education funding is also proposed. The Governor seeks to nearly double the number of children already enrolled in publically-supported, high-quality early learning programs by increasing funding for Pre-K Counts and Head Start by $120 million.
There’s more good news. The Governor’s proposal substantially increases special education funding ($100 million) and funds for Career Technical Education ($25 million). Add to that, new funds for higher education and college student aid ($159 million) and expanded health care for children, it’s easy to say that this budget is a real winner for children.
Click here to read PCCY’s analysis of the FY 2016 proposed budget.
Click here to send a letter to your local State Representative and Senator telling them to support the Governor’s proposed budget.
Get involved on social media. Click here to send a tweet to the top leaders of the Pennsylvania House and Senate telling them to support the budget.
Mayor’s Budget Proposal Could Help Philadelphia Turn a Corner on Education
Children attending public schools in Philadelphia have fewer resources than those in other major cities like Detroit, Cleveland and Baltimore, according to research from Pew Charitable Trusts. In fact, Philadelphia ranks the fourth lowest among ten other comparable cities in classroom spending per child.
Source: Pew Charitable Trusts
Mayor Nutter called for $105 million in new local funding for the District in the budget he presented to City Council this week. The Mayor also proposed a strong investment in the READ! By 4th Campaign and a dramatic expansion in summer jobs and camps for children. This budget season is already proving to be one that can have lasting impact on children.
Want to Get Away?
Have you had enough of winter? Wouldn’t it be nice to be some place like this right about now?
You can make sure you are prepared for next winter’s chill by coming to PCCY’s celebration of the 2015 Public Citizen of the Year on April 29th at 6:00 pm at Vie and bidding on a weeklong stay in this beautiful beach home in St. Maarten. Consider this: the temperature in St. Maarten today was 82 degrees under sun-filled skies.
All proceeds from the event will benefit PCCY’s research, advocacy and direct services for children in southeastern Pennsylvania. Click here to buy your tickets.