Her proposed amendment to improve the legislation failed along party lines
HARRISBURG, Oct. 26, 2011 — Concerned that school vouchers legislation would hurt the public school students who would be left behind in its wake, state Sen. Judy Schwank today voted against Senate Bill 1.
The bill passed the Senate today by a (27-22) vote.
“This bill is not about school choice. In fact, our public schools will only suffer under this legislation,” Schwank said. “I’m extremely concerned that poorer school districts, which are already suffering from state budget cuts, will face further cuts if students leave for alternative education.
“Many of our public schools are making progress. They are succeeding despite difficult economic circumstances like budget cuts and poverty,” Schwank said. “Senate Bill 1 will only impede that progress. We must look out for all students, the majority of whom will not be impacted by this legislation.
“I believe that students deserve every opportunity to succeed. We can accomplish this in many ways, including some portions of Senate Bill 1,” she said. “However, the fundamental measures in this bill will have a long-lasting negative impact on our public schools. I could not support this measure today.”
The senator said she was concerned about the portion of the legislation that would require that all basic education funding and subsidies would leave with the students who transfer to another school through the voucher plan.
In response, Schwank offered an amendment that would have placed a limit on the financial loss that school districts would experience if students leave their public school for alternative education. The Senate opposed the amendment by a 19-30 vote.
“When we talk about providing the best opportunities for our school children, we must be realistic. School districts should be held accountable for their curriculum, but our public schools are also a necessary part of our society,” Schwank said. “We had an opportunity today to make sure that Senate Bill 1 was more fiscally responsible through this amendment and I’m disappointed that the Senate voted in opposition.”
Schwank said she supported aspects of the school voucher legislation; notably, the extension of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC), which provides financial assistance to working and middle class families seeking educational options for their children.
She voted in favor of two Democratic-sponsored amendments that called for further increases to the EITC plan in the legislation; however, those measures were defeated on the Senate floor today.
Senate Bill 1 now heads to the House for consideration.
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