 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2003 (XXXXI 4) |
Pennsylvania Quakers working with a faith-based movement for more equitable public school funding had a roller-coaster ride this spring and summer. In March, Governor Rendell introduced his education plan — a plan that was welcomed by education activist groups such as Good Schools Pennsylvania, the group with which many Quakers have been working. The Governor's plan stands to change both the way education is funded (from local property taxes to state-wide income taxes and slot machines) and to increase the state's portion of funding for poor schools. Things are so bad in Pennsylvania that the main newspaper of educators in America, Education Week, rated Pennsylvania fourth from the bottom in school equity among the 50 states.
Four months later the plan is still foundering. The state House and Senate have each approved the $4 billion basic education subsidy with the meager business-as-usual 2.8% increase. The House also approved a slots bill that would raise new state revenue to fund property tax reduction, while the Senate opted for a property tax relief plan that would provide no state money to enhance property tax reduction. Neither bill would have resulted in any new dollars actually being spent on a single textbook or new kindergarten class. Then the Senate went home for its summer recess. Meanwhile Governor Rendell is considering calling a special session and has said that he will veto what they have passed so far.
If you're concerned about educational equity there's plenty you can do and many Quakers who will welcome you into the movement. A good place to start is to visit the website www.goodschoolspa.org and use the online tool to send a fax or email to your state legislator. For a Quaker connection you can call me at 215-545-7147.
Paul Skilton-Sylvester
Central Philadelphia Meeting
Last modified: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 08:18 AM