Source: Federal Funds Might Be Made Available For Philadelphia Schools
By Tony Romeo
HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) - It may be a longshot, but KYW Newsradio has learned that talks are underway in an effort to shake loose some major federal dollars for Philadelphia schools.
A high-placed state legislative source says the discussions involve at least $120 million in Health and Human Service dollars that have been held back from Pennsylvania for a decade or longer by the feds, though the source cannot say why the money has been withheld or what is was originally earmarked for.
The source also doesn't know anyone brimming with optimism about the outcome of the discussions. The feds would not only have to release the funds, but they would also have to agree to re-designate them for education.
The school district has been seeking $120-million from the state; there's still no strong sign that kind of dough is in the offing from Harrisburg.
