Basic Education Funding

The 2008-09 education budget continues the progress House Democrats have made over the past five years, with significant investments in education funding. With a move toward a better school funding system, as recommended by the recent study, Costing Out the Resources Needed to Meet Pennsylvania’s Public Education Goals, our children will have the appropriate funding needed to meet the state's education standards. All schools will see a minimum of a 3 percent increase in their basic education subsidy. The new formula also helps school districts experiencing record growth rates, and takes into account the unique characteristics in each district.

Early Childhood Education

Democrats also boosted funding for early childhood education programs like Pre-K Counts, a highly successful program that funds pre-kindergarten programs across the state. An $11.4 million increase for Pre-K Counts in 2008-09 for a total of $86.4 million in funding provides parents in participating communities with options for full-day or half-day quality pre-kindergarten in a school-based, child care center, Head Start, or nursery school program during the school year.

High School Refocus

Great strides have been made in recent years thanks to smart investments in revamping Pennsylvania's high schools, making sure students are better prepared for today's economy. The 2008-09 budget includes $45 million for laptop technology and teacher training in high schools through Classrooms for the Future. Plus, juniors and seniors will again be able to take college-level courses for credit while still in high school with $10 million for the Dual Enrollment program.

Accountability Block Grant

House Democrats established the Accountability Block Grant in 2004 to provide grants to school districts for a variety of strategies proven to improve student performance. More than $2 out of every $3 in grant funding have been invested in early childhood programs across the state. Democrats have steadily increased the state's investment in the grant program, reaching $275 million in 2007-08. The 2008-09 budget maintains that level of investment in the grant program.

Higher Education

The 2008-09 budget provides a 3 percent increase in funding for Pennsylvania's community colleges. The State System of Higher Education and its 14 universities will also receive a 3 percent boost, while state-related universities will be given a 1.5 percent increase.

Basic Education Funding Details