The state's share of funding for public education has declined from 55 percent in 1975 to about 36 percent today. And it's only getting worse, particularly for children who live in school districts with a declining tax base. They are the ones who will suffer, and we cannot let them down. There is no simple solution to the problem but, at the very least, the state should make a greater effort to invest in more of our local districts' education costs. Merely directing more money to our schools, however, is not the only solution.
Taxpayers expect and deserve to have their education dollars used wisely and efficiently.
That is why we also must look at education programs and ideas that have been successful in high-performing school districts and in other states. We also must make sure we are adequately assisting and monitoring schools that need to upgrade buildings or provide students new textbooks and current technology. I am supporting an education initiative aimed at improving achievement and accountability in Pennsylvania's public schools. Make sure kids are ready to learn by placing special emphasis on early childhood development, an initiative called Great Start. Ensure the best teachers are in our classrooms.