education-issues
Lawmakers look for answers to fix Pennsylvania’s unconstitutional school funding system
Leaders in Pennsylvania school districts, large and small, are forced to make unthinkable decisions as they work within crumbling buildings, triage educational resources and improvise a social safety net, state officials heard this week. Educators, public school advocates, a student and an economist laid bare the depth and breadth of the commonwealth’s school funding shortfall […]
For the mothers the pandemic has left behind
Moms are tired. Bone-tired. That’s the word that comes up again and again whenever I talk to other mothers these days. No matter how strong you think you are, the last few years have taken a crushing toll. Everyone bears the scars of the pandemic in different ways. But there have been so many other […]
Car insurance premiums based on job, education can ding low-wage workers
‘What does your education, occupation and income have to do with how you drive?’ one driver asked
Pennsylvania House passes eight bipartisan bills in productive return to session
Pennsylvania House lawmakers passed eight bipartisan bills, including four with unanimous approval, in the lower chamber’s return to session this week after a nearly two-month hiatus. With a narrow one-vote majority for the first time in more than a decade, House committees also cued up a blizzard of bills on Democratic policy priorities, such as […]
The Pa. House reconvenes on Monday; Here’s what lawmakers have on the table
One initiative with strong support on both sides of the aisle could test House Democrats' and Senate Republicans' willingness to collaborate.
Black student loan borrowers at risk as U.S. Supreme Court weighs forgiveness plan
Black borrowers hold a disproportionate share of student loan debt, and many likely were recipients of Pell Grants.
Pa. Legislative Black Caucus decries racist video at Philly Catholic school; Students expelled
"Our students are mirroring the political vitriol and uncivil discourse displayed by adults," the caucus said in a statement.
Still think everything is awful? Here are three reasons for hope | John L. Micek
The Nobel Prizes awarded this week are a welcome reminder of the transformative power of knowledge.
GOP opposition to proposed Wolf regs on carbon pricing; charter schools could shape coming months
Wolf, who has long called for charter school reform and a raise to the minimum wage, celebrated the commission’s decision, pushing back against accusations from Republicans by telling the commission the regulations are not outside of its jurisdiction.
In final year, Wolf touts multi-billion surplus; but projections depict gloomy fiscal future
This sign of economic strength, Wolf said, was a direct result of his “progressive” policy agenda, which has resulted in $2.8 billion more in education spending, lower prison populations, and more government funding for economic development and health care.
Wolf vetoes school curriculum bill; signs nine others, including broadband authority, into law
State law already requires public schools to allow parents and guardians access to their child’s curriculum, academic standards, instructional materials, and assessment techniques by request.
Curriculum transparency bill heads to Wolf’s desk, who opposes it
The Republican-controlled Pennsylvania House voted along party lines 112-88 Wednesday to approve the legislation, authored by state Rep. Andrew Lewis, R-Dauphin.