HARRISBURG (December 21, 2015) – The Campaign for Fair Education Funding called on lawmakers to end the nearly six month budget deadlock, once and for all, by adopting a full-year state budget similar to the agreement that overwhelmingly passed the Senate recently, which would increase basic education funding by $350 million.

“Our public schools, and the students they serve, need and deserve a state budget to be passed immediately,” said Campaign spokesperson Charlie Lyons. “Some school districts are already being pushed to the decision of whether to reopen after the holiday break; more will reach that point as we move into January. Instead of a partial budget that will only continue the uncertainty and perpetuate the financial stress on schools, lawmakers need to pass a full-year budget before they leave town for the holidays.

“All sides agreed to a budget framework that invests $350 million more to help schools recover from inadequate funding in recent years and to begin implementing a more equitable funding formula,” Lyons said. “Lawmakers need to put Pennsylvania’s school children first, and not let other disagreements stand in the way of a better future for them. After almost six months of delay, state leaders should not kick the can down the road any more, but instead pass a budget that is worth the wait for Pennsylvania’s students.”

The nonpartisan Campaign for Fair Education Funding is a coalition 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. The groups joined together last year to urge the state to adopt and adequately fund a new fair education funding formula.

Learn more at www.fairfundingpa.org.