Webster welcomes House Appropriations and Education committees to Philadelphia
Pennsylvania Education Tour to discuss public education funding system
Rep. Joe Webster October 24, 2023 | 11:04 AM
COLLEGEVILLE, Oct. 24 – State Rep. Joe Webster, D-Montgomery, reminds constituents, parents, neighbors, and stakeholders that the House Appropriations and Education committees’ Pennsylvania Education Tour will be stopping in Philadelphia today and tomorrow, Oct. 24 and Oct. 25, to discuss Pennsylvania’s public education funding system.
In February, the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania ruled that Pennsylvania’s method of funding public education was unconstitutional in that it fails to adequately provide every child with a high-quality education. To address the inequalities, the state legislature established a bipartisan, bicameral Basic Education Funding Commission tasked with identifying the current failures of the funding system, recommend changes, and report its findings to the General Assembly no later than Nov. 30.
“For years, Pennsylvania has underfunded its public schools, so much so that four out of five school districts across the Commonwealth do not receive their fair share of funding – that’s rural, urban, and suburban schools all not receiving enough money,” Webster said. “This committee has an obligation to the students, teachers and parents of Pennsylvania to create a plan that equitably funds public education and enact it expeditiously. Every child, regardless of ZIP code, should have the opportunity to succeed.”
As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Webster will attend both hearings in Philadelphia this week, but is encouraging every constituent to sign up for the public comment portion or watch the meetings here.
This week’s hearing schedule:
Oct. 24 – at the School District of Philadelphia, Administrative Building, Suite 301, 440 N. Broad St. The public hearing will be from 1 to 4 p.m., with public comment from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 25 – at the Community College of Philadelphia Library and Learning Commons, Exhibit Hall, 1700 Spring Garden St. The public hearing will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A future hearing is scheduled for Nov. 16 in Montgomery County. Information on location and presenters will be forthcoming.
Webster represents the 150th Legislative District, which includes, Collegeville, Trappe, Lower and Upper Providence and West Norriton. For questions or updates regarding the Basic Education Funding Commission, call Webster’s office at (484) 200-8263 or email RepWebster@PAHouse.net.