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March 13, 2023

This morning, PFT President Jerry Jordan joined a coalition press conference calling for a comprehensive, collaborative, transparent facilities plan, coupled with significant investment commensurate with the facilities needs of our public schools.

The event was hosted by City Council's Chair of the Committee on Education Councilmember Isaiah Thomas

Read Jerry Jordan's prepared remarks here and below.

In addition to Jordan and Thomas, participants included:

  • AFTPA President Arthur Steinberg
  • CASA President Robin Cooper
  • 32BJ District Leader John Bynum
  • State Senator Vincent Hughes
  • State
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March 12, 2023

In response to the Sunday March 12th Inquirer editorial regarding the upcoming Mayoral election, PFT shared the following on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages:

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March 9, 2023 "I am absolutely horrified by the shooting near Heston Elementary School yesterday afternoon. Three individuals were in the school office that was hit with bullets. To think that our young people and their educators are not safe while carrying on their daily lives is just outrageous and deeply disturbing. My thoughts are with the person injured and their loved ones, as well as to the staff and community members who witnessed or are otherwise impacted by this horror. MORE
March 7, 2023 In response to Governor Shapiro's first budget address, PFT President Jerry Jordan issued the following statement: PHILADELPHIA--"I congratulate Governor Shapiro on delivering a thoughtful budget address that outlines a host of investments in critical resources. Specifically, we are hopeful that the urgency Governor Shapiro conveyed surrounding our Commonwealth's constitutional and moral obligation to provide every child with a 'thorough and efficient' system of public education was recognized and taken to heart by legislators throughout the Commonwealth. "While we continue to look at the specific allocations for public education, we certainly recognize the significance of Governor Shapiro's initial proposal of over $1B in investment in pre-k through 12 public education this year.  "I urge the legislature to fully fund a system of public education that has been underfunded for decades. We can and must implement a bold investment, and I urge the legislature to take seriously the proposals put forth by both Governor Shapiro and Senator Hughes. MORE
March 2, 2023 PHILADELPHIA-- This afternoon, at a press conference hosted by Senator Vincent Hughes, PFT President Jerry Jordan offered remarks highlighting the urgent need for state investments in public education.   In his remarks, Jordan called attention to the emergency asbestos-related closure of Building 21 yesterday as "emblematic of our ongoing fight for equitable school funding." Jordan noted that, "Every day, we continue to have to fight so hard for something so fundamental: that our young people and their educators are not poisoned when entering their school buildings." Jordan highlighted and applauded legislative solutions, specifically the comprehensive budget proposal put forth at today's event by Democratic Appropriations Chair Senator Vincent Hughes. The "First Step Plan" is rightfully described as a "down payment on a constitutional education funding system" and invests over three billion dollars into an equitable distribution of funding, including restoring portions of the charter school line item as well as specific facilities funding. Both of these items are top priorities as outlined in our legislative platform, which is endorsed by dozens of lawmakers and leaders. MORE
February 28, 2023 In response to the election of the Honorable Joanna E. McClinton as Speaker of the PA House, Jerry Jordan issued the following statement: PHILADELPHIA-- "I am simply delighted to congratulate the Honorable Joanna E. McClinton on her election as Speaker of the Pennsylvania House. Speaker McClinton has, from before she ever set foot in office, led with courage, conviction, and an unwavering commitment to the people of the 191st legislative district and every Pennsylvanian.  "Speaker McClinton represents the best of elected officials and has been a steadfast force for change during her time in office. Speaker McClinton, the second Black person and first woman to ever hold this office, has met the moment leading up to her election with grace and determination. MORE