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One million acres of forest protected under The Conservation Fund, including in OR; Trump seeks to set aside his New York hush money guilty verdict after Supreme Court immunity ruling; 'Share the Pennies' weatherization program tackles climate solutions, reduces cost; Utah feels the impact of California's ban on gestation crates.

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SCOTUS gives former President Trump a huge win in terms of immunity, which might apply to charges of election interference. A new poll finds future court appointments are crucial for voters, and President Biden continues to face post-debate calls to leave the race.

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Ugly, imperfect produce destined for the landfill is being upcycled by a California candy company, a Texas volunteer uses his Navy training to map the gaps in broadband, and Pennsylvania has a new commission tasked with reversing its shrinking rural population.

PSEA applauds Gov. Shapiro's record budget proposal for public schools

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Friday, February 9, 2024   

Looking to tackle inequitable education funding across the state, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has unveiled a new budget plan, including a major boost in public school spending.

The proposal would direct an additional $1 billion to K-12 education, affecting more than 1.7 million students.

Jeff Ney, vice president of the Pennsylvania State Education Association, called it a historic investment aimed at leveling the playing field for long-underfunded districts.

"It is a great step," Ney asserted. "We have to see how those funds are allocated and how they are used in our districts, but we are very happy with that number."

The budget includes $50 million for school safety and security improvements. Ney pointed out the budget incorporates recommendations from the Basic Education Funding Commission to develop a comprehensive solution for K-12 education funding.

Ney explained the proposal calls for $300 million for environmental repair projects and infrastructure improvements. He noted the money could be used to replace lead pipes in schools, upgrade heating and air conditioning systems, and other upgrades to benefit students and teachers.

"It could be used to help out and make sure that our student classrooms are at a manageable level," Ney stressed. "Right now, we are seeing some class sizes that are just way too high, because they cannot bring in enough staff to do that. Some of the buildings that exist right now just aren't large enough to house the students that we have."

Ney emphasized the governor's budget also includes a minimum wage increase to $15 an hour, but his group has asked for a $20 hourly wage for school support staff. The union hopes school districts will be able to raise minimum teacher salaries to $60,000, as starting pay currently lags behind neighboring states.

Disclosure: The Pennsylvania State Education Association contributes to our fund for reporting on Budget Policy and Priorities, Early Childhood Education, Education, and Livable Wages/Working Families. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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