Connect with us

Pennsylvania

Pa. schools would get billions more under Democratic plan passed by state House

Published

on

Pa. schools would get billions more under Democratic plan passed by state House


The measure also would impose a range of new regulations on cyber-charter schools, including public disclosure requirements for budgets, taxes and reports to the state Education Department. Public schools’ payments per student to cyber-charter schools would be capped at $8,000 a year for those not in special education, a change projected to save public school districts hundreds of millions of dollars a year. Cyber-charter schools are independent public schools that offer classes through electronic means, typically over the internet.

Rep. Bryan Cutler, the Republican floor leader from Lancaster County, called the bill a massive shift in educational priorities that would hurt school choice options.

“Until we fix some of the systemic problems, more money alone will do little for students stuck in schools in crisis,” Cutler said.

It’s unclear whether these policies, drawn from the Basic Education Funding Commission’s report, will survive budget negotiations with the Republican-controlled state Senate. The commission report in January was approved 8-7, with all Republicans and one Democrat opposed.

Advertisement

Republican legislative leaders have called for districts to instead focus on making instructional changes that could boost student achievement.

“More money and a lot of it over the last decade or more has not enhanced student outcomes,” said Rep. Joe D’Orsie, R-York.

Supporters of a major boost in K-12 spending are hoping the time is right, thanks to a projected $14 billion state surplus available and the recent memory of a major court decision last year that found Pennsylvania’s system of funding public schools violates the constitutional rights of students in poorer districts. The state budget is due in three weeks.

School districts considered to be underfunded in Pennsylvania are often faster growing, disproportionately poor or with a student body that has a significant number of minority students. The result can be larger class sizes, underqualified teachers and outdated buildings, textbooks, technology and curriculum.

Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro in the annual budget address in February backed a $1.1 billion increase in public school operations and instruction, a 14% increase, with much of it concentrated among the largest and poorer districts — including many with significant numbers of minority students.

Advertisement



Source link

Pennsylvania

President Trump to visit Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, next week

Published

on

President Trump to visit Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, next week


President Trump is visiting the Lehigh Valley next week. 

Mr. Trump will speak at Mack Trucks in Macungie, Pennsylvania, Tuesday at 2 p.m. Macungie is roughly 10 miles from Allentown.

Mack Trucks is a 1.7 million square-foot facility in Macungie that assembles heavy-duty trucks for North American and export markets, according to its website.

Advertisement

“Mack Trucks are a symbol of America’s manufacturing strength,” Rep. Dan Meuser said in a Facebook post about Mr. Trump’s upcoming visit to Pennsylvania. “Their Lehigh Valley operations are a pillar of the local economy, employing Pennsylvania workers and driving the nation’s trucking industry.”

In the lead-up to the 2024 election, Mr. Trump visited Pennsylvania, a crucial swing state, multiple times. He’s also visitied during his second term.

In December 2025, Mr. Trump said in a speech in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania, that he was “crushing” inflation and called affordability concerns a “Democratic hoax.”

One week later, Vice President JD Vance aimed to calm the affordability concerns at a Uline facility in Alburtis, about 13 miles southwest of Allentown.

Tickets are available for Mr. Trump’s visit to Macungie next week on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Advertisement



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania lawmakers push for data center regulations as development accelerates

Published

on

Pennsylvania lawmakers push for data center regulations as development accelerates


Pennsylvania lawmakers are in the middle of budget season, trying to push through legislation. Some of the bills they’re prioritizing are some of the most important to folks in the Pittsburgh region related to data centers. KDKA-TV’s Lauren Linder reports.



Source link

Continue Reading

Pennsylvania

June 18 Playbook: A Pessimistic Pennsylvania

Published

on

June 18 Playbook: A Pessimistic Pennsylvania


🤠 G’day Thursday. Headlines. Pennsylvanians Pessimistic About Trump, Economy and State of Federal Government. PA’s Rainy Day Fund and 2026-27 Budget. U.S. Steel Workers Remain Divided Over Benefit of Nippon Steel Takeover. The Curse of the Rocky Statue 🎶 Your Morning Pick Me Up. Here and Now. Letters to Cleo…



Source link

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending