Corbett's Budget Proposal has Schools Up in Arms

Pennsylvania Republican Governor Tom Corbett proposed a new budget last month for the 2011-2012 fiscal year, within which is a dramatic cut to public school funding.

52% to be precise! If the plans are passed by the largely Republican state legislature, the public school system, including four-year state colleges, could lose about $625 million in funding, causing tuition rates to spike, programs to be cut, and hundreds of jobs laid off.



Governor Tom Corbett



In addition, several pre-Kindergarten programs could be terminated. For the last few weeks, students and teachers have protested in Harrisburg, and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter has expressed his concern for the Philadelphia School district, one of the regions that would be hit hardest by the budget changes. Temple university President Ann Weaver Hart released a video plea to students, faculty, and alumni to contact representatives.

Corbett stated that he wanted to get the state back to its funding levels in 2008 and 2009, before any federal stimulus money was distributed. Corbett also stressed a new policy of accountability on the part of teachers, parents, school officials, and even students.

What also concerns people is the fact that the proposal only lists cut in assistance and education programs, historically the programs with the lowest amount of funding. Nowhere in the plans does the governor suggest implementing new taxes or fees to make up for lost revenue, specifically in the drilling and mining industries.

The plans have to be debated by the state House of Representatives and state Senate before it can be presented to local legislators. Corbett has until June 30th to sign the bill.