FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Rep. Matt Smith D-Allegheny www.pahouse.com/MSmith

Smith calls for restoring Governor's Schools for Excellence '09-10 funding

HARRISBURG, March 10 – State Rep. Matt Smith, D-Allegheny, appeared at a Capitol news conference today to voice his opposition to Gov. Rendell's proposed closure of the Governor's Schools of Excellence.

Smith joined fellow Reps. Josh Shapiro, D-Montgomery, and Thomas Murt, R-Montgomery/Phila., at the news conference to demonstrate the bipartisan opposition to the proposed cut of the program.

"In his attempt to deal with challenging budget times in Pennsylvania, the governor has called for a cut in funding for the Governor's Schools of Excellence under his 2009-2010 state budget proposal," Smith said. "While I agree that cuts must be made where necessary, I also believe that we must preserve this particular program because of the value to Pennsylvania's own future."

Smith said the Governor's Schools of Excellence program rewards outstanding high school students for their academic achievements. Students are immersed in their chosen subject -- such as health care, science, education or the arts -- for five weeks.

The lawmaker noted that past students have gone on to become physicians, teachers, scientists and inventors, making the program particularly important given the need for Pennsylvania's students to stay globally competitive in these subjects.

The state supports the entire cost of the Governor's Schools of Excellence. Last year, the program supported all 642 students in the program, many of whom were from the 42nd Legislative District, at a cost of $3.24 million.

"Clearly, cuts must be made in certain areas, but we have to be creative in finding funding sources to protect the Governor's Schools of Excellence. We must look to a public-private mix of support, support from the educational institutions and other ways to preserve these schools. I'm fighting for this program during the budget debate over the next few months and I know that many parents, students, and alumni in the community support my efforts."

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