Sen. Lindsey Williams Releases Statement on Opening of Basic Education Funding Commission Hearings – Pennsylvania Senate Democrats

Pittsburgh, Pa. − September 12, 2023

Senator Lindsey M. Williams (D-Allegheny) emphasizes Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Basic Education Funding Commission (BEFC) Hearing

Senator Lindsey M. Williams, the Minority Chair of the Senate Education Committee, recently issued a statement following the first hearing of the Basic Education Funding Commission (BEFC) in Allentown. The senator highlighted the importance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in ensuring a comprehensive and contemporary education for all Pennsylvania students.

Updated Adequacy Targets for Pennsylvania School Districts

The first testifier at the BEFC hearing was Dr. Matthew Kelley, Assistant Professor at Penn State University. Dr. Kelley presented updated adequacy targets for each of Pennsylvania’s school districts. These targets serve as a crucial starting point in determining the necessary funding to provide students with an effective and modern education. The targets consider various factors that contribute to student success and are adjusted based on individual districts and student needs.

Constitutional Rights and Education Equity

Senator Williams emphasized that this is the first time since the Commonwealth Court decision that there is a conversation about adequacy and equity in education for all Pennsylvania students. The state’s Founders recognized the importance of a thorough and efficient public education system, as stated in the Constitution. The General Assembly’s current actions are seen as a violation of students’ constitutional rights. The BEFC hearing marked the beginning of discussions on how to address this violation and ensure educational equity for all.

Addressing Adequacy and Equity Targets

The final report of the BEFC must address adequacy and equity targets and propose a realistic plan to achieve these benchmarks. However, it is important to note that the BEFC and its report cannot address all the necessary aspects of creating a safe and inclusive public education system. Additional areas that need attention include funding for Career and Technical Education (CTE), Pre-K programs, transportation, building start times, and more. Furthermore, the impact of disinvestment in higher education on K-12 spaces, teacher recruitment, and availability of qualified professionals must not be ignored.

Investing in Students and Pennsylvania’s Future

The goal of public education is fundamental, and there are numerous factors that influence its success. Students require a system that caters to their unique needs. While the funding figures discussed during the hearings may seem overwhelming, it is crucial to understand that they are not an attack on working families. These funds are intended to uplift working families and provide equal opportunities for all students.

Pennsylvania’s budget currently prioritizes corporate interests over people, resulting in missed opportunities for revenue generation. Closing the Delaware Loophole, taxing non-profit organizations like UPMC, legalizing and taxing adult-use cannabis, and implementing a severance tax on natural gas extraction are potential solutions to increase revenue. Additionally, stronger protections for whistleblowers reporting the misuse of taxpayer dollars are necessary to recapture misspent funds.

Aligning Budgets with Values

Senator Williams argues that budgets are moral documents, and recent Pennsylvania budgets do not reflect the values held by the state’s founders or its residents. Insufficient investments have been made in students and the future. Instead, corporate interests and healthcare giants have been protected, while common-sense steps to prevent wasteful spending have been neglected. Pennsylvanians deserve a say in how their money is spent, and it is time to address the inequities and underfunding in the state’s public schools.

In conclusion, Senator Lindsey M. Williams emphasizes the need for equitable and adequate financial support to ensure the success of every Pennsylvania student. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) serve as a framework for achieving this goal and must be prioritized in the decision-making process.

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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 4: Quality Education
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 4.5: By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal access to all levels of education and vocational training for the vulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, and children in vulnerable situations.
• SDG 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status.
• SDG 16.6: Develop effective, accountable, and transparent institutions at all levels.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• No specific indicators are mentioned in the article.

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Note: The article does not provide specific indicators to measure progress towards the identified targets.

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Source: pasenate.com

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