Wednesday, November 6, 2013

There is a Better Way – The PCAPS Five Point Education Platform | WeArePCAPS

There is a Better Way – The PCAPS Five Point Education Platform | WeArePCAPS:



There is a Better Way – The PCAPS Five Point Education Platform

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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