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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Tony Payton |
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Payton speaks to students about legislative process, priorities
PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 15 – Continuing his commitment to children’s education, state Rep. Tony Payton, D-Phila., spoke today to students taking a constitutional law course at George Washington Carver Middle School about the legislative process and his priorities for the state legislature.
“We should never forget our educational roots and how important it is to support the next generation of students,” Payton said. “These visits are always an inspiring experience and I enjoy talking with students about their state government and encouraging them as they prepare for higher education or a career.”
Payton spoke about the gun violence crisis in Philadelphia and encouraged students to participate in a discussion on how to solve the city’s problem.
“Members of the legislature from Philadelphia have been working tirelessly to advance legislation that would limit opportunities for guns to fall in illegal hands and harm more people,” Payton said. “I wanted to share information about some of the proposals being considered in Harrisburg, but I also believe it’s important to stop and listen to the students’ opinions on this issue, because it affects everyone differently.”
Since taking office this year, Payton has introduced several measures that would help students, including his school lunch expansion legislation, which was inserted into this year’s state budget. The state now invests $6 million in the school lunch program. Because of his efforts, Pennsylvania is now eligible to receive a $21.5 million federal funding match.
Payton also has introduced legislation that would implement a statewide scholarship program that would ensure meritorious students receive a scholarship covering all tuition and fees to any university in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education.
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CONTACT: Ann Collis |