Sen. Kim Ward, president pro tempore of the Pennsylvania Senate, has the power to resolve the “tempest in a teacup” that is nevertheless blocking passage of the state’s $45.5 billion budget. The battle’s about a $100 million school voucher bill (a mere 0.2% of the state budget). The bill’s late-night, secretive passage sidestepped procedural and constitutional boundaries requiring hearings in the appropriate committee, then multiple considerations on the House and Senate floors.
If the school voucher bill is such a priority, Senator Ward, why didn’t the Senate Education Committee hold hearings and vote on it?
More fundamentally, why is the school voucher bill such a priority for you, Senator Ward? Does the bill have strong bipartisan support? Lobbyist support? How would private school vouchers help address the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court’s ruling that current Pennsylvania school funding is inequitable and unconstitutional?
Asked if the Pennsylvania budget impasse will be prolonged into the fall, Ward assured WHTM reporters on July 23 that the Senate is “not gonna leave Pennsylvanians hanging; we’re gonna make sure we do the job we were elected to do.” That sounds good. Does it mean that Ward will now reconvene the Senate to finish the budget? We’re watching and waiting.
Karen Calhoun
Jenner
The writer is a volunteer group coordinator with Fair Districts PA, a statewide coalition advocating for redistricting reform and a more accountable state government.