PAESSP Political Notes

February 10, 2005

   Governor Edward G. Rendell delivered the 2005-06 budget on February 9, 2005.He presented a $23.8 billion budget proposal that represents a net increase in spending of 1/9% over the 04-05 budget. His emphasis is on issues other than education-related issues.

Key funding initiatives for education include:

• A $228 million increase in funding for K-12 education, increased investment in the tutoring program by $38 million and increased funding for Head Start by $15 million, enhancing the Governor’s early childhood education focus.
• This budget also increases the public library subsidy by 2.5 percent from $57.9 million in fiscal year 2004-05 to $59.4 million – 24% above the $47.8 million they received in fiscal year 2003-04.
• $23.2 million, or 2.5% increase, for special education.
• $2000 million (same as current budget) for the Accountability Block Grant program.
• $109 million, or 2.5% increase, for basic education funding. School districts would receive a share of the increase based on their number of students and district wealth, with the most resources directed to communities needing the most help.

   The Governor unveiled a new program called Jobs Ready Pennsylvania that invests $101 million on workforce and education programs to ensure Pennsylvania businesses have access to a highly skilled workforce in the future.

• To create a Job Ready Pennsylvania, the Commonwealth will:
  • Increase options for Pennsylvanians to receive post-secondary education by making college more affordable and creating a stronger community college funding system. This budget provides for a $22.8 million in community college funding, which is the largest increase in 15 years.
  • Boost the skills of high school graduates by transforming high schools, dramatically improving career and technical education and investing in quality tutoring.

The plan calls for:

• An additional $4.7 million to increase the number of districts participating in the Project 720 high school reform initiative;
• $5 million for a dual enrollment program that would allow students to earn college credit while completing their high school requirements;
• $40 million in local and matching funds to be used to update career and technical education equipment and curriculum.

   In his budget address, the Governor also spoke about what has been accomplished in the Commonwealth in a short period of time, “Together we passed the largest increase in public school funding in 20 years and targeted funds to what we know best. Last week, you received the mid-year report on the Accountability Block Grant program. It details the tremendous success achieved through a truly bi-partisan effort.  Parents, teachers and superintendents across the state have lauded these new investments.”

   Gov. Rendell also made it clear that we must address our transportation needs – mass transit and the repair of roads, bridges and highways. He urged the legislature to address the transportation needs as the top priority of this legislative session.

   He also spoke of his support for cleaning and preserving the environment with the new program, Green PA, an alternative to the Growing Greener II program. Additional funding is needed for mass transit, healthcare and the Green PA initiative.

  It is anticipated that slot machines will be in place in six racetracks statewide by 2006.