A Statewide Call for Public Education

Editor's Note: This story was modified at 3:27 p.m. to change incorrect information. Education Voters PA is the organization sponsoring the statewide call. We apologize for the error.

On Monday, Education Voters PA wants you to make some noise for public education.

Literally.

The organization is asking residents to call Gov. Tom Corbett and their state representatives in support of public education—the first statewide call to action regarding pending legislation related to the issue.

An email sent by organizers explains, "Thousands of people will set aside (five) minutes to call the governor and local state representatives and senators with a short message about education being our highest priority as taxpayers and voters."

The email then speaks about pending legislation, indicating:

• Last year, the budget suffered about $900 million in cuts.
• Class sizes are increasing in many communities.
• Kindergarten, tutoring, arts, sports …. all being cut.
• There are raising taxes at the community level, "putting more pressure on property taxes instead of  having a statewide funding formula that is aligned to learning standards, fiscally responsible, fair and both Constitutional and ethical."

The organization encourages state residents to "fight back" by calling elected officials in support of public education funding—something state Rep. Jesse White, and fellow policymakers said is crucial.

"How can anyone talk about being committed to jobs and a sound American economy while simultaneously putting our children at a competitive disadvantage by choking off much-needed funding for schools?" White, D-Cecil, asked. "Education is the foundation for everything, and anyone who voted for the 2011 state budget while claiming to be committed to quality public education is either delusional or too immersed in slick talking points to see the sad reality unfolding in small communities across Pennsylvania."

And he wanted to reiterate: Decisions are made by those who show up.

"People should be making it clear to everyone from the governor on down continued cuts are unacceptable for the children of Pennsylvania," he said.

, D-North Strabane, agreed.

"Public education in my district has been essential and a great foundation for our youth," he said. "We produce some of the brightest students that will become leaders in our community. We need to increase our focus on our youth and give them the opportunity to become the greatest generation."

, D-Canonsburg, also agreed, adding that a bill being mulled in his neck of the Legislature "does nothing to help any students in the 46th District."

"Public education was created to give all students—regardless of social, financial and/or religious differences—the ability to have an opportunity to learn and be educated. Private and religious schools along with cyber and charter schools aren't there for every student," he said. "If you aren't financially able, maybe have a behavior problem or even special needs those private schools don't usually accept you nor do they have to."

He added: It's like they try to take the cream of the crop.

"They also aren't held to same accountability, performance and in some cases the quality of educators of public ed but yet normally cost as much double or triple the cost per student in public system," Solobay said. "I appreciate a parent's decision to choose but that should then be totally bore by them."

Editor's Note: If you live in , your state representative is Jesse White. He can be reached here. If you live in or , your state representative is Brandon Neuman. He can be reached here. Also, if you live in the Canon-McMillan area, your state senator is Tim Solobay. His contact information is here. Corbett can be reached here.