July 4, 2008

House approves Wheatley proposal on after-school programs

On July 3, the full House of Representatives approved my proposal to commission a report on the availability of and need for after-school programs in Pennsylvania.

My resolution (H.R. 824) directs the nonpartisan Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to produce the report within one year.

About 28 percent of children in Pennsylvania working families are "latchkey kids" with no adult supervision in the afternoon. Children and youth who regularly attend high-quality after-school programs have better grades and conduct in school. Teens who do not participate in after-school programs are also three times more likely to engage in risky behavior, including drug and alcohol use, smoking and sexual activity.

For all those reasons, I firmly believe after-school programs are a wise investment – we just need to know more about how much need there is in Pennsylvania, where it is and how much it would cost to fill the after-school gaps to help our children succeed and reduce juvenile crime.

I am also pleased to report that the 2008-09 state budget, being discussed in Harrisburg now, is expected to include a record increase for education funding: $274 million.  

If you have questions or concerns about education or any state-related issue, please contact me.