As a retired teacher and an eyewitness to the inadequate funding of Philadelphia public schools, I was very encouraged by Mark Zimmaro’s report on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s new budget proposals for Pennsylvania schools (“Shapiro visits South Philly school,” June 12).
The governor’s recent budget proposal comes almost exactly one year after Commonwealth Court Judge Renee Cohn Jubelirer’s ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding formula is unconstitutional for being unfair and depriving many students of a right to a “thorough and efficient” education. Right now, districts like Philadelphia, that educate children in poverty, English language learners or have special needs, spend less than wealthier districts. Shapiro promises that his new budget “will deliver real results for the Commonwealth.”
As Zimmaro reported, Gov. Shapiro proposes an historically high $1.1 billion more in school funding for K-12 education programs, plus $300 million for environmental school repairs; $50 million more for special education; $50 million for safety and security; $50 million for Pre-K programs; and $15 million for stipends.
In addition to all that, Shapiro proposes spending $100 million for mental health funding in K-12 schools; and $96 million to help free up $62 million in federal child care reimbursements for providers.
And of course, he proposes $3 million to provide free breakfast for all students year-round.
For all these historic changes, Gov. Shapiro has the support of the Basic Educational Funding Commission, which traveled all over Pennsylvania to get input from educators, advocates and experts about education in their communities. He is trying to provide a comprehensive solution to K-12 education in our state. I say it is about time.
Under the governor’s proposal, Philadelphia would gain $40 million additional funding plus a share in the $50 million increase proposed for special education funding, plus a share of the $300 million increase in facilities funding.
There are still unanswered questions about things like school vouchers and tax credits. I am glad that Gov. Shapiro has no plans to support an increase in tax credits and calls school vouchers “unfinished business.” That only proves he is more interested in protecting the public school system, especially in underfunded cities like Philadelphia.
Sadly there are too many school districts in Pennsylvania that do not meet adequate standards. We already know that Philadelphia is one of them. Finally we have a governor who is taking a direct, strong step in setting things right.
There are also problems like cyber schools that need better regulation. Shapiro is dedicated to reforming all this and saving money for real public education. Good for him.
Gloria C. Endres
A desire for American-made products
If you are among the millions of people supporting the Buy American Made Campaign, we want you to know how much your participation is appreciated.
Today, with inflation on everything we purchase, the American people are simply tired of experiencing growing bills and empty wallets and agree it’s time to restore competitive industries and job skills of every type here in the United States.
With more Americans speaking up where they shop, at organization meetings, on television and radio programs and in the print media, business owners better understand that their customers can’t make the purchases they did before with the rising cost of inflation. Likewise, political leaders better understand the concerns of their constituents who can’t pay their own expenses so how can they be expected to pay more taxes and be part of a positive economy in America?
The Buy American Made Campaign is not just a lot of talk. It is designed to encourage supporters to speak up everywhere they shop and make sure that business owners and purchasing agents see for themselves that there is a growing wave of change in America and a growing desire for more products to feature Made in America labels.
Wherever you shop, remember that items with “Made in America” labels clearly identify that Americans are employed from the point of production to the point of sale. When the label identifies an item as foreign made, that means that American workers are mainly with sales, shipping and handling jobs. If businesses can work together to expand their product lines in the United States and restore no less than a 50-50 balance between American and foreign-made products, it would be better for all Americans and America’s future.
Thanks for supporting the Buy American Made Campaign. Your comments and suggestions are always welcome. Email them to Michael@AmericanWorkersRadio.com.
Michael Blichasz
