Harrisburg, June 18, 2015 − Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny), Sens. Andy Dinniman (D-Chester) and Rob Teplitz (D-Dauphin/Perry) who serve as members of the Basic Education Funding Commission (BEFC) today hailed the new proposed statewide education funding formula as a responsible, predicable and equitable approach that would improve education for all students.
The formula, which the commission is recommending to be used to distribute basic education funding from the state to local school districts, was unveiled and unanimously adopted at a commission meeting this morning in Harrisburg. The proposal still has to be approved by the General Assembly.
The senators said the plan would address the wide inequity in education resources that hold back students from the poorest districts.
The formula contains five factors that reflect the actual costs of educating children in various economic circumstances: poverty, poverty concentration, English language learners, charter school enrollment, and district size. Local tax effort and tax capacity are also included, as is a determination of relative wealth of a district based on median income.
Pennsylvania is only one of three states that have no funding formula for public schools and has the distinction of having the most inequitable spending for poor students in the country.
The commission did exemplary work in crafting a new funding formula that is meaningful and substantive, Costa said. The commission was able to cut through politics, regional bias and complex issues to produce a funding structure that, if fully funded, will help students, parents, teachers, administrators and taxpayers.
Dinniman said he is pleased with the new funding formula but its success is totally dependent on the General Assembly providing sufficient dollars to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to be educated to the top of the curriculum.
The goal is to improve performance statewide and eliminate funding disparities that plague student development by removing funding impediments so state funding is equitably distributed, said Dinniman, who serves as the Senate Democratic Education Chair, said. For too long, Pennsylvania school children and taxpayers have had to overcome funding challenges which were created in Harrisburg.
The new funding formula will rectify the imbalance and equitably spread funding.
Teplitz, who is a member of the Senate Education and Appropriations committees, praised the commissions process of developing a fair formula that was crafted in a bipartisan, open, and inclusive way. Its equally important to ensure that basic education is also properly funded, he said.
The formula that was developed by the commission on a bipartisan basis addresses funding equity, but we also must ensure that our schools are also adequately funded. If we want all kids to have access to a quality public education, we must not only divide up the pie more fairly, but also increase the size of the pie itself, said Teplitz. Being a member of this commission was a tremendous experience and I look forward to continuing to fight for our children.
Recognizing the need to develop a predictable, fair, and equitable education funding formula, the General Assembly passed Act 51 in 2014 that created the commission. BEFC has 15 members, including 12 legislative appointees and 3 cabinet officials. Costa, Teplitz and Dinniman are the current Democratic appointees. Sen. Matt Smith (D-Allegheny) served as a member of the committee until his announced departure from the Senate.
The senators said the formula represents a fair and equitable way to disburse education dollars for funding public education. The poorest 25 percent of districts will be getting an average of four times more from the formula than the richest 25 percent of districts.
Costa said because the formula was developed on a bipartisan basis with input from the administration, he was hopeful that the formula would be supported by increased education funding in the upcoming state budget.
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Contact: Stacey Witalec
Telephone: 717 877-2997
Email: switalec@pasenate.com
Harrisburg, June 10, 2015 − State Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) today applauded Governor Tom Wolf’s decision to eliminate the cost of the child abuse clearances and criminal background checks for volunteers.
In 2014, the General Assembly passed a package of bills designed to help prevent child abuse and increase protections for children by requiring volunteers working with children to obtain background clearances. However, since that time the cost of the clearances became a major impediment for volunteer and community organizations.
“I couldn’t be more proud of the work of the General Assembly in acting to protect our children when we passed comprehensive legislation requiring background checks for those who work with children.
“However, since the law was implemented, volunteer community organizations — from youth soccer clubs to volunteer fire companies – have expressed concerns over the cost of the clearances and the burden that these new requirements place on the organization.
“As with any significant change in the law, we recognize adjustments may need to be made from time to time. The governor’s action removes the financial burden that the background checks imposed on organizations and makes our approach stronger.
“What doesn’t change is the need to protect our children and ensure that those working with our kids in any volunteer capacity receive the necessary clearances.”
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Harrisburg – June 8, 2015 – Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) said it is appalling that Senate Republicans opposed the nomination of Col. Marcus Brown to serve as commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police and voted against a nominee who is “exceptionally qualified and experienced.”
Brown was nominated earlier this year by Gov. Tom Wolf. Brown’s nomination was defeated by a vote of 22 to 26, with all negative votes coming from Republican members of the Senate.
“Republicans today turned aside the nomination of an exceptionally qualified and experienced law enforcement professional. It is sad that the nomination of Colonel Brown turned into a side-show where special interest groups raised petty and illusory issues so they could derail the nomination.
“My hope was that Senate members on both sides of the aisle could rise above the fake controversies, innuendo and attacks and examine Colonel Brown’s record in law enforcement. The Senate should be better than to get caught up inconsequential issues when it considers nominees to such important posts as commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police.
“In denying confirmation to Colonel Marcus Brown, the Senate did not enhance the security of the citizens of Pennsylvania and it did a disservice to all taxpayers.”
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Harrisburg, May 27, 2015 – State Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) today issued the following statement congratulating Sen. Matt Smith (D-Allegheny/Washington) on his appointment to serve as incoming President of the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce. Sen. Smith’s resignation will be effective within the month.
“For the past three years, Sen. Smith has served as a thoughtful and distinguished member of the Senate Democratic Caucus and was an advocate for hardworking people all across Allegheny and Washington counties,” said Costa. “He is a man of great integrity, whose background makes him the ideal candidate to serve as the President of the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber.”
Costa remarked that Smith’s advancement to this position is a testament to the breadth and depth of the experience and expertise he brought to the caucus.
“Matt has earned the respect of everyone who knows and has worked with him. This position will give Matt the opportunity to expand on his record of public service and build from his years of work in the House and the Senate.”
Sen. Smith developed a strong record of support for education, economic development, and government reform during his time in the Senate. He introduced legislation to provide access to housing for homeless veterans, protect the rights of pregnant mothers in the workplace and championed new laws to toughen penalties against those would severely injure or kill a police dog.
Smith served as the Democratic chair of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee and also served as a member of the Aging and Youth, Appropriations, Judiciary, and Transportation committees.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the people of the commonwealth and represent the residents of the 37th Senatorial District. I would like to thank my constituents for entrusting me to be their advocate in the district and at the state level, and want them to know that even as I leave public office I will continue to work to make our region stronger and prepare our workforce to compete in the 21st century economy.” Smith said. “I would also like to thank Sen. Costa and all of my Senate colleagues for their partnership and support during my time in the Senate and as I transition into this new role. “
“Matt was a catalyst for change within the Senate and had a firm grasp on issues of importance to his constituents. He will be sorely missed by the entire caucus,” Costa said. “Our loss is truly the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce’s gain.”
No decision has been made on plans to fill his seat. Costa said the office will remain open and continue to deliver the same level of service they have enjoyed under Sen. Smith.
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Harrisburg – May 22, 2015 — State Sen. Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) expressed his thoughts on the death of J. Matthew Simon of Point Breeze. Simon served as President of Point Park College from 1986 to 1995 and as a member of the Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority from 2005 until his death. Simon died on May 20:
“Matt was a successful and respected member of our Pittsburgh community. Throughout his long career in public service, he held many positions of distinction — lending his character and integrity to every project on which he worked.
“His commitment to education was evident through his work as president and department chair at Point Park. Matt spearheaded the effort to fund educational scholarships, making post-secondary education affordable and accessible for students. He made it his personal mission to help students achieve their dreams and his exemplary work will benefit students for years to come.
“In 2005, I was proud to recommend Matt to serve as a member of the Pittsburgh Intergovernmental Cooperation Authority. Matt served with distinction and shared the commitment and dedication of his fellow board members in trying to find solutions to difficult fiscal issues.
“Matt’s life’s work made meaningful contributions to helping organizations and communities all across Pennsylvania. Our thoughts and prayers go to his family and friends. He was a role model and gentlemen whose service made Pittsburgh, and our region, a better place.”
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