Harrisburg, PA – June 10, 2024 – Today, Senator Vincent Hughes, Chairman of the Senate Democratic Appropriations Committee, issued the following statement following the House of Representatives’ passage of HB2370, landmark legislation in response to the Commonwealth Court’s mandate to fully and constitutionally fund Pennsylvania’s public schools.
“Transition House Bill 2370 is an crucial and necessary step toward fixing Pennsylvania’s unconstitutional education funding system. I applaud every legislator in the House who came together at this moment and voted to ensure equality for every student in Pennsylvania.
We have a Commonwealth Court decision ordering us to fix a funding problem that has affected generations of students.
We have a $15 billion surplus to address the civil rights issues of our time and do right by students who deserve the same access to 21street age education on par with peers from wealthier school districts.
It is time to ensure that all Pennsylvania students have equal access to educational opportunities and resources, unthreatening and robust school buildings, and adequate teachers and support staff.
My Democratic colleagues and I in the Senate are ready to move HB2370 and deliver it to the Governor’s desk. We strongly encourage Senate Republicans, who constitute the majority, to act morally AND financially responsible for Pennsylvania’s students and future by supporting this legislation.
I have been in this fight for a long time and I am proud of every advocate, leader and legislator I have stood alongside for not giving up. We are so close to the finish line in making a real impact on our K-12 students, and we will not rest until we complete this task.”
###
