Last year, state dollars for Basic Education - the biggest item in the state budget - were cut by $354 million, bringing state funding for public education to nearly 2007-08 levels, with $654 million in federal stimulus dollars making up the difference and providing an increase of $300 million to school districts. 

In one step forward, the 2010-11 budget restores $250 million in state funding, and distributes an additional $250 million in federal stimulus dollars - largely using the formula adopted in 2008.  But in another step backward, more than $200 million was cut from dozens of smaller education programs, including student tutoring and school improvement grants. (Click here to learn more).  And for the third year in a row, state funding for special education saw no increase at all. 

The recession also hurt local revenue collection by an estimated $343 million statewide, according to the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators.  Hardest hit by these budget shortfalls are school districts that are already overtaxed and underfunded and have no margin for making budget cuts that don't impact school quality. With the expiration of federal stimulus dollars, the next Governor and General Assembly will need to take dramatic steps to avert disaster for students, school districts and communities. 

On a brighter note, legislation to fix the way the state funds and supports special education - House  Bill 704 - passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 173-25 in June.

For more information: Janis Risch, 215-681-6213.