HARRISBURG (JULY 1, 2015) – In response to Governor Wolf’s veto of the FY2015-16 budget bill passed by the legislature, The Campaign for Fair Education Funding today called on the governor and General Assembly to come together to fix the state’s flawed basic education funding system.

“We’re disappointed that all sides could not reach agreement on a timely budget,” said Charlie Lyons, spokesperson for the Campaign.  “We urge them to now come together in good faith and in a bipartisan way to enact a fair funding formula and to pass a budget with sufficient basic education dollars to address the impact of prior cuts and move Pennsylvania toward the goal of ensuring that all students have an opportunity for success no matter where they live.”

“The bipartisan Basic Education Funding Commission, which unanimously approved strong recommendations for a new school funding formula, is an example of what can be accomplished when the Governor’s Office and legislators work together,” Lyons added. “We hope they will now approach the budget negotiations in the same spirit and quickly reach agreement on a budget that is good for all of Pennsylvania’s students.” 

“Our Campaign members will continue to serve as a resource for all parties as they work to ensure that every student, in every school, has access to the resources they need to meet state academic standards,” said Lyons.

The campaign is made up of more than 50 member organizations representing educators, labor, business leaders, faith-based organizations, child advocates, charter schools, traditional public schools, with representatives from rural, urban and growing school districts.  Learn more about the Campaign for Fair Education Funding at www.fairfundingpa.org. 

# # #

Source: Campaign for Fair Education Funding Press Release, July 1, 2015.