Unfortunately, Nathan Benefield’s op-ed “Pennsylvanians deserve truth on education spending” (Sept. 20, TribLIVE) left out important information. Pennsylvania is highly ranked in the country for average per-student spending, but only 38% of school education funding comes from the state (which is below the national average of 47%), and we are 45th in the country for equitable distribution of funding. This is covered ground.
In February, Republican Commonwealth Judge Renee Cohn Jubelirer ruled that the funding gaps are so wide — ranging from $12,000 per student in the Mars Area School District to more than $45,000 per student in Bryn Athyn School District — that they are unconstitutional. The Commonwealth Foundation, with funding from billionaire Jeffrey Yass, proposes a voucher system to divert more public funds to private schools, going directly against the court’s ruling.
In addition to the $100 million for PASS vouchers, Senate Bill 757 includes new authoring language for $555 million in tax credits. Groups like the Commonwealth Foundation, the Commonwealth Partners Chamber of Entrepreneurs and Yass have financially benefited from voucher programs in the past. Campaign contributions from Yass’ PACs over the last 10 years are more than $55 million.
To understand the full truth about Pennsylvania school funding, follow the money.
Tracy Smith
Macungie