Powell votes ‘yes’ on new budget – says plan provides path to fair public school funding
Rep. Lindsay Powell July 12, 2024 | 10:01 AM
HARRISBURG, July 12 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell yesterday cast a “yes” vote for Pennsylvania’s 2024-25 budget, saying that the new plan brings the kind of bold investment the state especially needs to level the playing field for public school students.
“The whole point of public education is to ensure that every child gets the same chance to succeed, but that can’t happen with the vast disparity we have in per-pupil spending between wealthier and less-affluent districts,” Powell said. “Pennsylvania has been failing its public school students, and it’s time for the commonwealth to step up and make the kind of commitment that affirms equity and a fair shot for all children. I believe the new budget’s $1.3 billion investment in our students reflects that kind of commitment needed to level the playing field and start shifting that burden off taxpayers.
“At the same time, the new plan will reform the way we fund our cyber charter schools so that more of that money returns to fund public schools.
“The new budget also invests in ways that will help make our state schools and community colleges more affordable. We can’t afford to lose young adults to other states because we’re unable to provide attainable higher education. Our workforce and our economy ultimately pay the price.”
Powell said the new budget also boosts funding to expand opportunities and bolster human services.
“Beyond education, this is a budget that prioritizes the needs of residents, with funding increases for job training, affordable housing programs, homeless assistance, violence intervention and prevention, mental health programs and resources for people with disabilities,” Powell said. “It’s a budget that focuses on the right priorities, and it does so without any increase in taxes. This is by no means perfect, and it is long overdue, but this new plan makes the kind of people-based investments that will improve quality of life and make the future more promising for our youngest Pennsylvanians.”