There is a Better Way – The PCAPS Five Point Education Platform
WE NEED TO ELECT A GOVERNOR WHO WILL FIGHT FOR THESE THINGS:
1) An Equitable Funding Formula for Distributing State Education Dollars
Currently funding is being driven by political calculation and poorer Districts are taking a big hit. We need a formula that allocates dollars based on what it costs to educate children For each District it needs to take into account:
- Numbers of families living in poverty
- Numbers of English Language Learners and Special Needs Students
- Capacity of the Local District to pay
The formula adopted and partially implemented during the Rendell years is a starting point. Other states like New Jersey make full funding a priority in poorer Districts. Pennsylvania should do no less.
2) Increase the Revenue for Public Education and Human Services
Full funding requires reordering state priorities in a way that will make more revenue available for schools, health care and vital human services. Corporations and the super rich must pay their fair shares. We call for:
- An End to Corporate Tax Loopholes and Subsidies. The Delaware tax loophole, which enables 70% of the corporations that do business in Pennsylvania to avoid paying taxes, needs to be closed.
- Enact a Fair Tax on Gas Drillers. Pennsylvania is last when it comes to taxing Marcellus shale drilling A tax in line with what other states have passed would raise 200 million annually.
- Stop New Prison Construction The huge capital investment in new prisons is costly and should be ended.
3) Charter School Accountability
