Ciresi appointed to Special Education Funding Commission

HARRISBURG, Feb. 17 – State Rep. Joe Ciresi, D-Montgomery, was recently appointed to the Special Education Funding Commission, a position recommended by Democratic Leader Joanna McClinton, D-Phila., and approved by House Speaker Bryan Cutler, R-Lancaster. 

The SEFC, which was established in 2013, reviews and makes recommendations regarding special education funding in the commonwealth. Its focus over the last two years has been reviewing the formula that directs state funding to school districts in Pennsylvania that have the greatest need for additional resources based upon the cost of each special education student. 

“I am truly honored by this appointment and offer my gratitude to Leader McClinton and Speaker Cutler for entrusting me with the responsibility of serving in the best interest of our state’s special education students and teachers,” said Ciresi, who was appointed at the beginning of this 2021-22 legislative session to serve on the House Education Committee, as well. 

“Ensuring fair funding of education is one of my top priorities as a legislator, and my background as a school board member for 12 years has given me insight on education policy in general and special education in particular. I am ready to get to work to ensure those school districts with the greatest special education needs are recognized and funded fairly, since having access to fair resources is what our students deserve.” 

Last week, Ciresi was named the Tourism and Recreation Committee’s Arts and Entertainment subcommittee chair, and earlier this year he was named vice chair of the Policy Committee

He is in his second term representing the 146th Legislative District and also serves on the House Commerce and Gaming Oversight committees, in addition to the Education, Tourism and Policy committees. 

For more information, contact Ciresi’s office at (484) 200-8265.