FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Dionne Watts-Williams / 215-713-4875 / press@powerinterfaith.org
POWER Interfaith Applauds Introduction of HB2370, Urges Swift Legislative Action
Philadelphia, PA (June 4, 2024) — POWER Interfaith celebrates the introduction of House Bill 2370 (HB2370) in the Pennsylvania legislature, a transformative proposal aimed at ensuring equitable public education funding across the state. This legislation promises to benefit all school districts, from well-funded areas to those severely underfunded, by addressing the disparities highlighted in the 2023 Commonwealth Court ruling.
“HB2370 represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring stability, adequacy, and fairness to school funding in Pennsylvania,” says Sara Melton, Managing Director of Organizing of POWER Interfaith. “This bill ensures every student, regardless of zip code, has access to a comprehensive and effective education.”
HB2370 provides:
– Stability and adequacy, elevating every district over the course of the next seven years.
– A true fair funding formula that allocates funds based on student numbers, poverty levels, and other critical factors.
– Racial equity, ensuring that all districts receive their fair share, addressing racial funding disparities.
– Economic benefits, supporting economic development by creating a qualified workforce and reducing crime and social safety net costs.
“This legislation is about justice and equity,” adds Melton. “We urge the Pennsylvania House and Senate to take swift legislative action to adopt HB2370 in full to fulfill their constitutional duty and provide a fair and adequate education for all children in the Commonwealth.”
POWER Interfaith calls on all Pennsylvanians to join this crucial effort by contacting their state senators and representatives to support HB2370 and ensure our public schools receive the funding they deserve.
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POWER Interfaith is a network of more than 200 congregations throughout Pennsylvania, a statewide organizing force for economic and racial justice on a livable planet. The organization’s education justice work is a part of the Roadmap for Justice, a platform outlining how to address key issues for a prosperous Pennsylvania. More about POWER Interfaith at www.powerinterfaith.org.
