February 8, 2022
In response to today's budget address, the final one of Governor Wolf's administration, Jerry Jordan issued the following statement:
PHILADELPHIA—"One of the most fundamental tenets of Governor Wolf's administration has been his steadfast commitment to increased education funding. In today's budget address, the final one under his leadership, Governor Wolf held fast to that commitment and released a proposal that is a strong start in what is sure to be several months of negotiations.
"With a revenue surplus of more than $2 Billion and growing, and an additional $2.2 Billion in unspent federal relief dollars, the Commonwealth has the resources to provide programs and resources our young people need now and into the future.
"There is so much to be encouraged about in Governor Wolf's proposal: specifically, we commend the Governor for his proposal to expand education funding by $1.5 Billion, including a $1.25 Billion increase directly towards the fair funding formula. We appreciate his commitment, too, to expanding level up funding, which directs funding towards districts in the greatest need.
"One of the most significant initiatives of the Governor's tenure has been the restoration of the Fair Funding Formula, which was callously dismantled under his predecessor. To date, the vast majority of education funding does not flow through this formula; the Governor's expansion of this amount is an important step in the right direction.
"As legislative packages around the proposal take shape, it is critical that additional funding directed towards school facilities and other critical investments, be enacted. In our newly released legislative platform, we note that the Full Funding Budget proposal outlined by Senator Hughes and Democratic leadership in both chambers is absolutely imperative. Not simply because of its historic increase in basic education funding, but also because it targets $800M directly towards the facilities crisis. A massive investment in addressing toxins such as asbestos, lead, mold, and faulty heating and cooling systems is an absolutely essential component of any final budget plan.
"Our students deserve, and in fact are constitutionally (and morally) entitled to a thorough and efficient system of public education. As we continue our collective work towards a more equitable tomorrow, we commend the Governor for the steps he's outlined today, and urge him and the entire legislature to do even more, specifically around the issue of school facilities. We will continue to advocate for the healthy and robust system of public education that our young people need to thrive."
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