Pa. Lawmakers Move To Unshackle Philadelphia From School Funding Restriction
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) - The Pennsylvania House has passed an amendment that could make a major change to the city's obligation to fund Philadelphia schools.
Right now, state law requires any increase in the amount of money the City of Philadelphia gives the school district in any one year to remain permanent in future years -- effectively prohibiting the city from giving the school district a one-time infusion of cash to ease a cash crunch like the one being experienced now (see related story).
But the House on Tuesday passed an amendment, sponsored by Rep. Michael McGeehan (D-Phila.), that would free the city from that obligation.
"The City of Philadelphia is hamstrung by this peculiarity," McGeehan says.
But fellow state representative Ronald Waters, also a Philadelphia Democrat, isn't so sure it's the right move.
"The city would be free, but I don't know that that's the right message we should be sending to the General Assembly," Waters said.
The amendment passed, and if the bill into which it was inserted also passes the House, it would go to the state Senate for consideration.
Reported by KYW Harrisburg Bureau chief Tony Romeo
