FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Rep. James Roebuck D-Philadelphia www.pahouse.com/Roebuck

Roebuck calls education budget 'louder than words'

HARRISBURG, July 4 – State Rep. James Roebuck, D-Phila., issued the following statement in reaction to the 2008-09 state education budget, which the House passed today:

"The education budget agreement, with a nearly $275 million increase in overall education funding, is a significant achievement for those of us who understand that we absolutely must continue to enhance the state's investment in our schools and students.

"Actions speak louder than words. By responding to the findings of the 'costing out' study with a serious financial commitment this year and in the future, we show everyone that we are in fact serious about giving every child in Pennsylvania a quality education and a chance to succeed in life."

The 2008-09 budget also incorporates Roebuck's proposal (H.B. 118) to require children in the Philadelphia School District to begin school starting at 6 years old rather than the current age requirement of 8.

"I'm particularly excited that my proposal to update Philadelphia's compulsory school age is a part of this budget agreement. The current school-age requirement is a relic from the mid-1900s when children were needed to work the fields and factories. However, today we must prepare children for a 21^st century economy, and studies tell us that the learning process should be starting as early as age 3 and 4 – not waiting until age 8.

"By starting children's education earlier at age 6, the Philadelphia School District will greatly improve its ability to provide a quality education for all of its 211,000 students."

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