June 10, 2024
Following a coalition lobby day and the PA House's passage of an historic funding bill for public education, PFT President Jerry T. Jordan released the following statement:
PHILADELPHIA-- "Once again, PA House Democrats have delivered. Their passage of the historic funding bill that would enact a multi-year plan to truly meet this moment is monumental. I commend the House Democratic leadership for their thoughtful and comprehensive approach to implementing a multi-year plan to meet this moment. Speaker Joanna McClinton has been a relentless advocate for public education, and the House's action today is reflective of that deep commitment. I thank the House Democrats and their entire leadership team, along with the Senate Democrats, for their tireless work. Additionally, I commend the House Republicans that voted in favor of HB2370.
"For years, we have known what the courts have now ruled with finality: the way we fund public education in our Commonwealth is immoral, it is unconstitutional, and both the legislative and executive branches are responsible for rectifying this injustice. HB2370, in its current form as passed by the House, is a huge step in that direction.
"Investing in public education is investing in our young people, our future, and in a cornerstone of democracy. And that means investing in support staff, healthy facilities, smaller class sizes, increased supports for students with disabilities, more services for English Language Learners, more counselors, more nurses, and more of the resources and services that help our young people thrive.
"The adequacy formula outlined in HB2370, and the fact that it is a multi-year plan, meets both the spirit and the letter of Judge Jubelirer's court ruling.
"The PFT was proud to be part of an enormous coalition of advocacy organizations that joined dozens of lobby visits that culminated in a massive press conference today. We will continue to advocate for a just, moral budget that truly meets this historic moment."
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