Posted: | September 10, 2013 08:54 AM |
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From: | Senator Michael J. Stack |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Distressed School Districts Relief Act |
In the near future, I plan on introducing legislation that would provide upwards of $50 million to the distressed school districts of Pennsylvania. According to a July 24th, 2013 report of the PA Budget and Policy Center, the Commonwealth ended the fiscal 2012-13 cycle with a surplus of $57 million. http://pennbpc.org/2012-13-revenue-tracker This legislation would provide critical funding for our countless school districts that have been declared distressed by the Department of Education. Our list of school districts under distress are growing at an alarming rate. While I represent the School District of Philadelphia, other areas around the state are facing similar challenges with a shrinking tax base and municipal debt. It is my hope that this legislation will provide some economic relief to those districts across the Commonwealth by using surplus monies we have at our disposal. This will not raise taxes nor will it serve as an unfunded mandate. This will provide a one-time relief opportunity in order to help our school children receive the best education they deserve. If you wish to co-sponsor this legislation but have additional questions, please contact my Harrisburg office. Thank you for your interest. |