July 8, 2022
PHILADELPHIA—Responding to the passage of the PA budget in the General Assembly, PFT President Jerry Jordan issued the following statement:
"I am pleased by much in the budget--but equally concerned by how many missed opportunities and misguided priorities are reflected in the final education code bills.
"Further, I am disgusted by efforts by Pennsylvania Republicans to enact an abortion ban and racist voter ID laws. Full statement on these efforts here.
"The historic increase in education funding, including a $525 million increase in basic education funding and a $225 million increase in level up funding (which will move funding towards the districts that need it most), is good news. Additionally, we are pleased by increases to mental health services, and language around increasing teacher diversity, an increase in CTE funding, and increase in library funding, and language around disability inclusive curriculum.
"However, the budget simultaneously increases voucher funding by an outrageous 41%, pouring an additional $115 million into a program that is essentially a corporate tax break at the expense of our young people.
"Further, the budget fails to invest designated funding to address the ongoing school facilities crisis. We are discouraged by the failure to adopt the proposal put forth by Senator Hughes and Representative Fiedler outlining an $800M statewide facilities investment.
"Unfortunately, with a Republican majority, the state legislature is unwilling to move forward with an aspirational agenda that fully and equitably invests in the programs and services that our young people need and deserve to thrive.
"The Republicans have further jeopardized the rights and health of Pennsylvanians with their nefarious eleventh hour stunt to ban abortion and implement voter suppression laws.
"Our fight remains relentless as we pursue true justice for every Pennsylvanian."
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