Apr. 13, 2016
HARRISBURG – Rep. Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon) issued the following statement after the House voted, in an overwhelming bipartisan majority, to pass
House Bill 1589, a state fiscal code bill that would restore the funding formula developed by the Basic Education Funding Commission last year. The formula was rejected by Gov. Tom Wolf when he vetoed the state fiscal code last month.
“When the governor vetoed the fiscal code, he created his own funding formula that disproportionately funded three school districts: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Chester Upland. Carbon County schools lost nearly $400,000 under Gov. Wolf’s formula and $1.2 million in PlanCon funds for school construction reimbursements.
“Today, we ensured that students across Pennsylvania are treated fairly and their schools are not funded based on Gov. Wolf playing favorites. House Bill 1589 would restore basic education funding, Ready-to-Learn block grants and construction funding. Now, the $150 million increase in education funding will be distributed in an equitable way.
“I am encouraged by the bipartisan support of this bill in both the House and the Senate. Both chambers passed House Bill 1589 with veto-proof majorities, sending a clear message to Gov. Wolf that he needs to sign this legislation. As we finally finish the 2015-16 budget, I am hopeful that this spirit of bipartisanship continues and sets the tone to avoid another protracted budget process next year.”
The bill now heads to the governor’s desk.
Representative Doyle Heffley
122nd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Morgan Dux
717.260.6695
mdux@pahousegop.com
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