{"id":98114,"date":"2020-02-04T23:21:52","date_gmt":"2020-02-05T04:21:52","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/?p=98114"},"modified":"2020-02-04T23:21:52","modified_gmt":"2020-02-05T04:21:52","slug":"schlossberg-issues-statement-on-gov-wolf-budget-proposal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thevalleyledger.com\/?p=98114","title":{"rendered":"Schlossberg Issues Statement on Gov. Wolf Budget Proposal"},"content":{"rendered":"

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ALLENTOWN, Feb. 4 \u2013 <\/strong>State Rep. Mike Schlossberg, D-Lehigh, has issued the following statement regarding Gov. Tom Wolf\u2019s proposed budget for 2020-21:<\/p>\n

\u201cGovernor Wolf\u2019s proposed budget marks a significant commitment to many of the things important to the 132nd<\/sup> Legislative District and I am encouraged by what I see in the details.<\/p>\n

\u201cI certainly applaud Governor Wolf\u2019s proposal to increase funding for education. Governor Wolf\u2019s leadership has resulted in historic increases in state commitment and we must continue to fight for the resources necessary to better our schools.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe task of charter school reform is a necessary part of this budget. It is also tough conversation. For many families, including many in the 132nd<\/sup> Legislative District, students attend good charter schools where they find meaningful education. The negative effects on the Allentown School District, the students who attend those schools\u2014and cash-strapped taxpayers\u2014cannot be ignored. In 1998, ASD\u2019s budget for charter school costs was $3 million. This year, that number is $64 million. This is $1 out of every $6 of ASD\u2019s budget. Can you imagine trying to run your household with 1\/6 of your income being controlled by somebody else? It cannot be done and ASD\u2019s leaders have no say in the matter. This is one illustration for why we need charter school reform so badly.<\/p>\n

\u201cLast week, local news reported one area charter school in the Lehigh Valley preparing to build a brand-new school for $80 million. Harrison Morton Middle School was built when Ulysses Grant was president of the United States and is still being used today. In fact, many ASD schools are well beyond the point of needing significant repairs or replacement. On what planet is that fair? I do not begrudge charter schools for offering their students world-class opportunities, but you better believe I demand equity for the students attending ASD. To allow otherwise is effectively creating a system of separate and unequal education.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere plenty of other pieces to like about this budget:<\/p>\n