Apr. 14, 2016
HARRISBURG – Rep. Jack Rader (R-Monroe) issued the following statement after the House voted 149-45, by an overwhelming veto-proof majority, to pass
House Bill 1589, a state fiscal code bill that would restore education funds to school districts across Pennsylvania. Gov. Tom Wolf vetoed the state fiscal code sent to him by the Legislature last month. The governor’s veto of the fiscal code included a rejection of the bipartisan basic education funding formula, which he previously endorsed.
“Four of five school districts lost money under the governor’s fabricated funding formula. Between cuts to basic education funding, Ready-to-Learn Block Grants and construction reimbursements, school districts have been forced into a financially precarious position. The governor chose winners and losers. Under his plan, the Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Chester Upland school districts were the winners. Rural school districts across Pennsylvania, the losers, were faced with millions in cuts thanks to Gov. Wolf.
“This vote will allow the additional $150 million in increased education funding to be distributed fairly according to the funding formula developed last year by the Basic Education Funding Commission. Schools in our area haven’t been adequately funded in 25 years, and the fair funding formula seeks to right that wrong. Education funding should not be a political issue, and the bipartisan support of House Bill 1589 is indicative of widespread support and cooperation between both chambers and along both sides of the aisle.”
The Senate voted on Wednesday to pass the fiscal code by a veto-proof majority (37-11). The bill now heads to the governor’s desk.
Representative Jack Rader
176th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Morgan Dux
717.260.6695
mdux@pahousegop.com
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