Secretary of Education Announces Governor Corbett's Investment in Education

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 1, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of Education Ron Tomalis today announced the funding allocation for education in the 2011-12 state budget.

"Governor Corbett's fiscally responsible budget forces our state government to live within its means and, as a result, will force Pennsylvania's education system to do the same," Tomalis said. "In these austere times, the Governor's budget will ensure that our schools and educators focus on educating our young people and preparing them for a bright future."

The 2011-12 state budget, signed yesterday by Corbett, provides $10.1 billion for the sustainment of public education and educational programs in Pennsylvania.

The state's contribution to Basic Education Funding, which primarily supports school district operations, was increased from last year by $233.3 million, or 4.56 percent.

This boost in funding was needed to offset the loss of federal stimulus money that Pennsylvania has received for the past two years. Since 2009, the amount allocated by the state to Basic Education Funding has significantly decreased while the financial stability of our schools relied on a one-time federal hand-out. That money is now gone and Corbett has worked with the legislature to restore state funding to the pre-stimulus amount.

The state budget allocates $412.7 million to the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, which oversees 14 of the Commonwealth's universities. The four state-related universities (Penn State, Lincoln, Temple and the University of Pittsburgh) will receive $514.8 million to supplement their existing means of revenue. The 14 community colleges across Pennsylvania will receive a total of $212.1 million in state funding.

Pennsylvania's students will receive more financial assistance through grants provided by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). The amount allocated in the new budget, $380.9 million, will be supplemented by a PHEAA $50 million public service contribution. This will raise the maximum grant to $4,309, which is an increase of $768 over last year.

The 2011-12 budget also ensures that Pennsylvania's most vulnerable students are provided with the programs and services they need to achieve academic success. Impactful initiatives such as Special Education, Head Start, and Early Intervention programs and the education of migrant laborers' children have all been sustained through $1.26 billion in state funding.

Corbett's commitment to expand the educational options for Pennsylvania's students and increase jobs is reflected in the state's appropriation of funds to better prepare individuals for the work force. Funding for job training programs is increased to $4.8 million and $62 million has been appropriated for career and technical education.    

The state has nearly 500 public libraries that provide communities with valuable resources. The budget provides $61.2 million for the continued support and access to library services.

The safety of Pennsylvania's students and those individuals working in schools is a top priority of the Corbett administration. Last fiscal year's budget did not allocate state money to ensure the schools in which Pennsylvania's students attend are safe learning environments. To help address the growing problems of school bullying and violence, the 2011-12 budget provides $2.1 million to further PDE's efforts to improve school safety.

"This budget reflects Pennsylvania's vital task of educating our youth," Tomalis said. "I look forward to working with the General Assembly to bring about significant and meaningful changes to improve education for every student."

Media contact:  Tim Eller, 717-783-9802

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Education