FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Rep. Thaddeus Kirkland D-Delaware www.pahouse.com/Kirkland

 Kirkland praises Delaware County education funding in 2008-09 state budget

HARRISBURG, July 4 – State Rep. Thaddeus Kirkland, D-Delaware, said he is pleased that three school districts in his area will benefit from the $28.2 billion, 2008-09 state budget passed by the General Assembly today.

Kirkland said legislation he sponsored was incorporated into the state budget to provide additional funding to the following school districts:

· Chester Upland School District will receive an increase of 9.88 percent.

· Chichester School District will receive an increase of 7.59 percent.

· Ridley School District will receive an increase of 8.48 percent.

"Our school districts can use this state funding to provide an adequate level of education for our children," Kirkland said. "Our children are entitled to a quality education, and this increased school funding in the state budget will help achieve that goal.

"In addition, vulnerable Pennsylvanians, especially seniors, can rest assured we are maintaining their programs and services, such as making sure seniors continue to qualify for the PACE and PACENET prescription-drug programs and that we have the money necessary to help people enrolled in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program who need help paying their heating and electric bills."

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