The Pennsylvania Department of Education has been asked to conduct an immediate investigation into widespread statistical deficiencies in student enrollment and attendance data in the School District of Philadelphia. This data is essential in determining the level of state and federal funding school districts receive. Philadelphia is, by far, the largest recipient of state general education and special education funding. In fact, school funding for Philadelphia has experienced steady increases while the schools in my legislative district are facing severe cuts. An audit by state Auditor General Jack Wagner showed that for at least a decade, the School District of Philadelphia has been unable to provide sufficient data to show that it was entitled to funding increases.
Budget hearings continued this week in Harrisburg. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) says it needs $3.5 billion to fund the state's ailing infrastructure. House Republicans have advocated for the development of public-private partnerships, known as P3s, to finance and rebuild deteriorating roads and bridges across the Commonwealth.
Corrections officials testified this week that they are looking for ways to continue reducing the state's prison population and save taxpayer dollars. Acting Secretary John Wetzel urged lawmakers to work toward clarifying definitions of non-violent offenders. Moving non-violent offenders out of prison and into institutional or community facilities relieves prison overcrowding and reduces recidivism.