Rep. Smith-Wade-El statement on historic court decision on PA school funding system

Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El    February 8, 2023 | 9:50 AM

HARRISBURG, Feb. 8 – State Rep. Ismail “Izzy” Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, released the following statement today on Tuesday’s Commonwealth Court landmark ruling that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional:

“I have long maintained that a high-quality education is the right of every child in the state of Pennsylvania. An investment in our children’s education is an investment in their future that will lead to thriving communities throughout the commonwealth for generations to come. I’m pleased to report that yesterday’s historic decision regarding the unconstitutionality of how we fund education in our state reaffirms the petitioners’ commitment to children, educators, communities, and the future of our commonwealth. It is high time we acknowledge the fact that our education funding system has been broken for decades, and it is high time we fix it.  

 “Homeowners – particularly seniors – have struggled to cope with high property taxes. This ruling upholds the simple fact that students and taxpayers are best served by enhancing funding for all schools at the state level, rather than relying on local property taxes.  

“Yesterday, the court ruled that it is simply not right that some kids start a school year with a new MacBook, while kids just a few miles away are asked to share a math book. Education should never be a zero-sum game, with winners and losers. I am happy that a court has finally recognized the fundamental unfairness in the way we fund education in Pennsylvania and has chosen to do right by the most underserved children in our communities. This is a win for all of us.”

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