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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Keith R. McCall |
  
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McCall: Carbon County school districts to get additional $1.9 million in funding under state budget agreement
HARRISBURG, July 3 – State Rep. Keith McCall, D-Carbon, said Carbon County's school districts are slated to receive an estimated $26 million in basic education funding and $4.4 million in special education funding based on the 2008-09 state budget proposal as agreed to by legislative leaders and the governor. It's an increase of $1.8 million and $83,095 over last year, respectively.
"This funding is excellent news for our schools and our students in Carbon County, and also for our homeowners paying property taxes," McCall said. "This budget would give our schools the tools they need to help our students prepare for careers, for moving on to college and for a better life for themselves and their families. I was proud to fight for this funding increase as part of the state's annual spending plan."
On average, Carbon County school districts would receive a 7.5 percent increase in basic education funding, nearly double the statewide average funding increase of 3 percent.
"The news is good for students going beyond high school, too. State System of Higher Education schools are getting a 1.5 percent increase, community colleges, a 3 percent increase, and the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency will get a 5.5 percent increase to help more students than ever afford college."
The final state budget is expected to be approved by the legislature and signed into law by Gov. Ed Rendell this weekend.
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CONTACT: Bob Caton |