Posted: | March 4, 2022 11:11 AM |
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From: | Representative Michael H. Schlossberg |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Taking it to the Next Level: Level-Up for Equitable School Funding |
A good education impacts every part of life, including cultivating talents and strengths, empowering students to be engaged citizens, and developing skills for the future workforce. In addition, the pandemic has highlighted the roles that educational institutions play in students’ lives beyond academics. Schools provide a safe, welcoming space and an opportunity to ensure that children can access the resources they need – whether it’s additional services for optimal learning, mental health support, or healthy meals. In 2021, with a bipartisan budget, Pennsylvania took historic steps in supporting school districts in our communities through Level Up. Yet disparities in access to high-quality, fully resourced education systems, and educational outcomes still exist. For the 2022-2023 budget, a $300 million increase in the Level Up commitment would provide more equitable funding to the 100 most underfunding districts and the students they serve. This commitment will touch nearly 1.6 million households across Pennsylvania in school districts that reflect the diverse fabric of Pennsylvania’s communities. Every child in Pennsylvania deserves access to a quality education, and continued investments support not only children and families, but also the educators who dedicate their careers to this mission. Please join me in supporting the Next Level Up of commitment for equitable school funding. |
Introduced as HB2414