Luzerne Times

Last week, Rep. Alec Ryncavage (R-Luzerne) and the House Republican Policy Committee led by Chairman Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington) held a hearing at Crestwood High School. The purpose was to discuss the Democrats’ Basic Education Funding Commission (BEFC) report and its implications on student support and taxpayer burden. The education funding plan, which narrowly passed the House, was also examined.

The hearing, entitled “Democrats’ Education Scheme Fails to Fund Students,” included testimony from John Macri, president, and Rick Nardone, finance director, of the Crestwood School Board, alongside parent Danielle Petroski. They expressed concerns about potential negative impacts on the Crestwood School District. Despite Crestwood having one of the state’s lowest administrative costs-per-student ratios, the fear is that residents may face increased property taxes, and programs such as art, music, and libraries might be cut due to disproportionate funding distribution among districts.

Rep. Alec Ryncavage stated, “Prior to our hearing, only one side of the narrative was shared about this funding proposal. It is not a fix-all. I was honored to host this hearing and welcome my colleagues to my district to discuss education funding for the students across the Commonwealth. We can all agree that schools should be properly funded, but the process must be thoughtful, have a commonsense approach, and consider the needs of all students. If we’re going to address comprehensive school funding, there should be no losers. I look forward to returning to Harrisburg to keep this important discussion on the front burner.”

Josh Kail added, “There has always been consensus among Republicans that there needs to be robust school funding, but sadly, some policymakers are funding and ‘solving problems’ for a snapshot in time instead a long-range plan. We need to fund students, not systems, and it is my hope that we can continue the conversation that education is not a one-size-fits-all approach, and that we need to keep an open mind on solutions that will benefit all children.”

Participating in the hearing were additional Policy Committee members: Reps. Torren Ecker (R-Adams/Cumberland), Doyle Heffley (R-Carbon), Robert Leadbeter (R-Columbia), Kristin Marcell (R-Bucks), David Rowe (R-Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata), Jim Struzzi (R-Indiana), and Tim Twardzik (R-Schuylkill).

To view the full hearing, visit the representatives’ official websites. For more information, media contact is Melissa Fox via mefox@pahousegop.com.