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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Barb McIlvaine Smith
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New state budget makes smart investments in energy, education
McIlvaine Smith's efforts to curtail school bullying part of education package
HARRISBURG, July 4 – State Rep. Barb McIlvaine Smith, D-Chester, said the state's new budget bodes well for students and taxpayers in the West Chester Area School District, with an increase in education funding, and gives a much-needed boost to the development of sustainable alternative energy.
The budget includes an Energy Independence Fund (Special Session HB 1), which McIlvaine Smith co-sponsored, that invests $650 million to develop solar, wind and geothermal energy.
"The Energy Independence Fund will not only help our environment, but it will also help to keep our economy robust. As the cost of energy continues to soar, residents are looking for more economical ways to heat, light and cool their homes and businesses," McIlvaine Smith said.
Funding for basic education is increased by nearly $275 million without raising taxes. McIlvaine Smith said that translates into more than a $250,000 increase for the West Chester Area School District.
"When we make a strong investment in education, as this budget does, we are making a strong investment in the future of Pennsylvania because we are ensuring our children receive the best possible education, preparing them to step into the kinds of family-sustaining, high-tech jobs we are trying to attract to this state," McIlvaine Smith said. "In addition, when the state increases its contribution to public education, local school boards may not have to depend quite as much on local homeowners to fund their schools."
Education funding for the West Chester Area School district in the 2008-09 state budget:
· Basic Education Funding: $7,050,130 – increase of $205,344 over last year
· Special Education Funding: $5,006,237 – increase of $55,070 over last year
Also included in the education package are bullying guidelines written by McIlvaine Smith. McIlvaine Smith's legislation defines "bullying" as intentional harassment, intimidation, humiliation, ridicule, defamation, or threat or incitement to violence by a student against another student or public school employee. It also requires school districts to review their bullying policies every three years.
"Bullying is an unacceptable behavior. Children cannot learn if they are in an environment that destroys their self esteem and self confidence," McIlvaine Smith said. "School is a place where students not only gain academic knowledge, but it should also be a place where children learn how to accept and respect one another."
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