Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Special Edition: Funding SEPTA & Schools

Special Edition: Funding SEPTA & Schools

Dear Neighbors in the 168th:

This is a special edition of my e-blast (with some local event updates at the end), so I’m getting right to the point: The status of the state budget is the same as it was in last week’s e-newsletter, and two of the biggest areas set to feel the impact are public transit (SEPTA) and education.

 

I’ll address the latter first.

Right now, our schools are not receiving the state funding they need to start the 2025-26 school year without delays to key programs & services – this includes the additional funding that was supposed to continue to ramp up each year after we changed the funding formula last year, to comply with a ruling by the state Supreme Court which found the previous formula unconstitutional and inequitable.

In the 168th, that means our three school districts are still waiting for the $61 million they’re owed in state funding.

 

Teachers begin returning to school in mid-August. If school districts have to borrow money to keep operations moving, they will get paid back when a budget is reached -- but who pays the interest? If they don't take out loans, who pays? -- the taxpayers. But sadly, it is our teachers and students who will bear the brunt of a protracted budget impasse.

 

At the center of this impasse is the state Senate, which needs to listen to taxpayers and come back to Harrisburg to pass a budget.

 

When it comes to funding SEPTA and PA’s other public transit authorities, it’s the same story. SEPTA’s drastic service cuts are slated to begin in about 3 weeks, but instead of meaningfully working on our road & transit funding bill, a small group of Senators introduced an “alternative funding” plan for SEPTA. But that legislation doesn’t actually have to do with funding! Instead, it claims that internal performance issues at SEPTA have led to its current situation (not true!) and proposes accountability measures that SEPTA already takes.

 

In fact, SEPTA is regarded as one of the most efficient public transit systems in the country.

My staff and I have been taking every opportunity we can to remind our Senate colleagues how their reluctance to act will create devastating consequences for the people they’re supposed to serve. Take a look at just a few of the stories nearly 100 of you have submitted.

 

While cuts would create a ripple effect that hurts all of us, those of us who don’t drive will feel the most immediate impact – seniors like Judy, who intentionally entered retirement near SEPTA stations to be able to visit with relatives and get to doctor appointments:

People with disabilities, like JoEllen, who need public transit to get to their jobs:

Veterans like David, who use regional rail to get to the Philly VA for specialized healthcare:

Students like those Calista teaches:

And workers like Margo who keep the region’s businesses running:

Your voices are still our best avenue to getting the Senate back in Harrisburg. Please consider calling any or all of the three state Senators behind the “alternate funding” bill to ask them to support HB 1364, and work with the House to get the entire state budget in place – their contact info is below.

 

I’ll be doing the same on my end.

 

Gratefully,

Sen. Tracy Pennycuick: (215) 541-2388? 

Sen. Joe Picozzi: (215) 281-2539? 

Sen. Frank Farry: (215) 638-1784? 

 

Office & Community Event Reminders

 
 
 

Pennsylvania State Capitol

28-B East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 772-2005

District Office

24 S. Newtown Street Rd., Suite 100
Newtown Square, PA 19073

(484) 427-2884