Pa. House Approves Fiscal Code, Finishes Work On State Budget
By Mike DeNardo
HARRISBURG, Pa., (CBS) - Lawmakers in Harrisburg have finally finished their work on the state budget. And that puts one more piece of Philadelphia's school funding puzzle is in place.
In a brief afternoon session, the state house wrapped up the budget by approving what's called the fiscal code. Wrapped up in that code is a one-time $45 million for Philadelphia schools, redirected from a debt the state once owed the feds.
The district, after laying off nearly 4000 counselors, assistant principals, and school support staffers, is waiting to see how many of those employees it can afford to hire back.
The governor's funding package fell short of the $180 million the district was seeking, and the district is still negotiating what it hopes will be $130 million in union concessions.
After the vote Superintendent William Hite tweeted, "Much work remains to ensure sufficient recurring funds and spending levels."
