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January jobs report: Unemployment rate falls to 4%, wages rise more than forecast; Trump signs order imposing sanctions on International Criminal Court over investigations of Israel; Ten Commandments in public schools debate reaches South Dakota; Virginia ranks among worst states for wage theft; Mexican long-nosed bat makes appearance in Arizona.

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Attorney General Pam Bondi strikes a Trump tone at the Justice Department, federal workers get more time to consider buyouts, and an unclassified email request from the White House worries CIA vets.

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During Black History Month, a new book shares how a unique partnership built 5,000 schools for Black students, anti-hunger advocates say ag communities would benefit from an expanded SNAP program, and Americans have $90 billion in unpaid medical bills.

PA Group Pushes Senate to Approve Budget with K-12 School Funding Increase

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Wednesday, June 21, 2023   

A Pennsylvania advocacy group is watching carefully as the Senate ponders House Bill 611, which would provide more funding for basic K-12 and special education, and target more funding to lower-income districts.

Gov. Josh Shapiro's proposed budget includes an increase of just over $567 million for education, and almost $104 million for special education.

Sharon Ward, senior policy adviser for the Education Law Center, said the House has added about $900 million to what the governor proposed in March. Ward's group believes the House proposal does a much better job of responding to the needs outlined in the Commonwealth Court decision requiring more equitable school funding.

"That budget includes about $750 million, roughly, in basic education, which is our formula grant program," Ward explained. "And it includes $225 million in 'Level Up.'"

Ward pointed out funding for the Level Up program was not in the governor's budget. It is a funding stream to help schools in the lowest-income districts in the state. The new House budget also includes money to build or renovate school facilities. Opponents claim the larger House proposal would eventually increase taxes and deplete the rainy-day fund and other reserves in less than five years.

Ward noted the House budget is sitting in the Senate awaiting a vote, which should happen within the next two weeks. The budget has a June 30 deadline.

"We'd love to see the Senate pass the House's budget," Ward emphasized. "We think it's reasonable. We think it's affordable. And we think it is an important step towards ensuring that school kids don't have to continue to wait to get what they need in order to be successful."

Ward added she believes most parents in Pennsylvania want the state to pay for its fair share of education funding, but the Commonwealth ranks low for school spending. The current system also relies heavily on local property taxes, which disproportionately affects students in lower-income districts.

Disclosure: The Education Law Center contributes to our fund for reporting on Budget Policy & Priorities, Children's Issues, Education, and Human Rights/Racial Justice. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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