How much is enough for schools? An answer.

Last month, we told you about the quiet revolution we all missed–the realization of the long-sought bipartisan Basic Education Funding Commission’s school funding formula.

It’s now the law of the land: new funding for Pennsylvania schools will be distributed according to relevant factors, including the greater needs of students living in poverty, number of students per districts, and local taxation.

The Basic Education Funding Commission did not, however, calculate how much their formula would actually cost. But attorneys for the Public Interest Law Center have used the formula and accurate, up-to-date state data to calculate the cost of adequately funding Pennsylvania’s schools.

They say all we need is $3.2 billion over eight years to get to the level of funding needed for every student to achieve, according to their new report. That’s a big lift, but one that is urgent and requires significant increases in state appropriations annually till the target is hit.

Meanwhile, the commonwealth is embroiled in a lawsuit (now before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court) for failing to meet its Constitutional obligation. For FY 2017, delivering $400 million to fund the state’s new formula would go a long way to show a level accountability our students have always deserved.

If that happens, for school districts in southeastern counties, it would mean an additional $9.7 million for districts in Bucks, $7.4M in Chester, $15.7M in Delaware and $11.2M in Montgomery. If the legislature makes these funds available they can demonstrate some acknowledgement of their constitutional obligation.

Just 21 days until Council votes! Container tax and other alternatives will exclude thousands of kids from quality pre-K. Call your councilperson now and tell them to vote YES! to the soda tax.  Look up your councilperson!

“Enacting a soda tax in Philadelphia might very well turn out to be one of the most equitable taxes in the commonwealth.” Economist Barry Popkin, whose research shows the proposed soda tax is a win for progressives. READ IT

R U 4 pre-K? Follow the soda tax campaign on Twitter at @rkidsrworthit and help us reach an even bigger audience. Your follow WILL make a difference! Twitter: @rkidsrworthit

“[The bill] is a necessary step to protect the future of our children. It will hold our parishes and organizations accountable for their actions in mishandling or concealing crimes against children,” Mayor Jim Kenney, in a letter to PA senators regarding the Statute of Limitations bill currently under consideration. READ MORE