http://www.educationvoterspa.org/site/index/ Education Voters Pennsylvania is a non-profit, non-partisan organization established in 2007 to promote a pro public education agenda with elected leaders, legislators and the public. en michael@nanomonkey.com Copyright 2008 2008-10-23T13:39:00-05:00 http://www.educationvoterspa.org/site/education-voters-pa-issues-endorsements/ http://www.educationvoterspa.org/site/education-voters-pa-issues-endorsements/#When:13:39:00Z When most people are paying attention to the Presidential race, a new, independent organization that advocates for public education in Pennsylvania released endorsements for the state legislature today.  Education Voters PA is working to increase the focus on education issues, promote a more robust dialogue with elected officials and voters about the issues and hold leaders accountable for taking action to address the issues.  “For too long, the legislature has failed to tackle important education policy challenges. The result has been underfunded schools across the Commonwealth, an over-reliance on property taxes, an inordinate focus on testing rather than teaching, and a collective throwing of hands in the air and hand-wringing when the issues get complex” said Susan Gobreski, the Executive Director of the bi-partisan independent group.  “We need to address numerous education issues, in Pennsylvania, including the difficult ones and we need elected officials going to Harrisburg committed to do that work.” A critical step was made this year towards a more rational funding formula and a move to provide significant additional funding for Pennsylvania’s districts, but getting it done required a Herculean effort by advocacy organizations and a few elected leaders; furthermore the changes were limited to a first step of a six-year plan.  “It shouldn’t be so special that we expect government to do what it is supposed to do,” said Gobreski. Education Voters PA released the short list of endorsements, saying that for the issues that voters face every day, these candidates represent a major step forward.  “If you care about how we treat our kids, how we invest in our communities, our long term prosperity and whether or not we are prepared to shift the funding system away from property taxes and toward a sensible, stable funding method, then please make sure you vote all the way down the ballot and cast a vote for pro-education candidates.” Education Voters PA did not make endorsements in all races, choosing to focus on a small list of districts, targeting resources.  The group’s Director noted that that there are a number of other legislators not on the list who are supportive of public education and even some who have made it a priority.  However, noted Gobreski, “This election is about the future, and we think these particular choices can help change what is happening in Harrisburg, strengthening the effort to do something and helping to combat inaction or obstruction.” In September, the group did independent bi-partisan polling in swing districts across the state, asking voters if they preferred a candidate who would be willing to make education a top priority issue, even with the economic challenges facing the legislature. Voters preferred a pro-public education candidate by more that 2-1.  Education Voters PA list of endorsed candidates In the House, the endorsed candidates are: Rep. Nicholas Miccozzie, HD 163 Republican incumbent in Delaware County Paul Drucker, running for the open seat HD157 in Chester County John DeFrancisco, running for the open seat HD 162 in Delaware County Ayanna Lee, HD 44, challenger Gobreski commented on the endorsed candidates: “Rep. Micozzie has long been a voice for the need to make education a policy priority and a voice for a bi-partisan approach.” Paul Drucker is a moderate running for the open seat once held by moderate Republican Carole Rubely who is retiring. “Mr. Drucker understands how these issues are affecting his district, the need for economic investment, bi-partisanship and sensible reform on funding.” John DeFrancisco is running for an open seat in Delaware County: “Mr. DeFrancisco has a good grasp on how important community is, and how critical both schools and tax issues are to working families.  We expect him to be a new voice on these issues.” Ayanna Lee is challenging Mark Mustio in the 44th HD, has talked extensively about education issues and received the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette endorsement today.  She is “passionate about the need for health care and education for working people” and has the “smarts to make a difference when ordinary people need an ally in Harrisburg,” said the paper. In addition, Education Voters endorsed Rep. Dwight Evans (D) and Rep. Mario Civera (R), the Majority and Minority Chairs of the Appropriations Committee, to acknowledge their critical role in bringing the parties together to get something done in the budget process.  “When leaders agree on common goals, find solutions and areas of agreement together instead of posturing and partisanship, good things can happen,” Gobreski commented.  For Senate, the organization endorsed: Rep. Daylin Leach in SD 17 running for the seat once held by Connie Williams Judy Hirsh in SD 15, challenger running against Jeff Piccola Tony Bompiani in SD 39, running for the seat being vacated by Bob Regola The group’s Director made the following statements: Daylin Leach: “His work on the House Education Committee has proven his grasp of education issues. He made this a top priority and understands that this is about people’s lives and well being; he has been a strong proponent of sensible education policy over his career.” “Dr. Tony Bompiani has good experience working on education issues and believes it is time to tackle the policy issues that are so challenging.” The group also noted that his opponent pledges to blockade further investment both from Harrisburg and local school boards and offers only ideas that have pit grandparents against schoolchildren in other states. Judy Hirsh is challenging an incumbent who has not made education a priority, despite the district he represents.  She is a former school board president and graduate of public schools. “She demonstrates a deep understanding of the complex education issues facing our state.” Education Voters PA supports sending new faces to the Senate and noted that reducing the imbalance between the political parties will likely help increase a focus on the issues facing the people of Pennsylvania. The group also recognized the Majority Chairs of the Education Committees for their work on the changes made in the past year, Representative James Roebuck, HD 188 of the House Committee, and the recently deceased Chair of the Senate Education Committee, Senator James Rhoades.  “We send our condolences to the Rhoades family at this difficult time and would like to recognize his commitment to public education in Pennsylvania.  Senator Rhoades was a voice for education and his efforts to make sure both parties, both Chambers, were focusing on this issue will be sorely missed,” said Gobreski.  With two weeks until the November 4th election day, the group is asking voters to remember to vote in state legislative races with critical state education policy issues in mind. The group will contact voters by both mail and phone.  Endorsements 2008-10-23T13:39:00-05:00 http://www.educationvoterspa.org/site/issues/ http://www.educationvoterspa.org/site/issues/#When:00:00:00Z In Pennsylvania, it is time to start tackling issues related to how we provide a thorough and efficient public education system, as required by our Constitution and an excellent education for every child, as required by a powerful need to meet the future head on.  We need leaders to take up a pro-active agenda on public education, commit to the work it will take to get Pennsylvania on track to an excellent educational system and to be accountable for moving this agenda forward.  We need strong leaders, a bi-partisan effort and an aggressive forward thinking agenda.  It is time for the Pennsylvania legislature to: Give every child in Pennsylvania a fair start with universal access to pre-K. Research shows that every dollar invested yields a seven-dollar return. It is a prudent investment and smart spending, especially in financially challenging times.  Children get off to a great start – ready to learn and it makes the classroom experience more effective for years to come. Ensure access for all to a meaningful high school education. Time in high school should be time well spent – preparing for the future with a modern, relevant curriculum and a diploma that means you are well prepared to continue your education, join the workforce and be a successful part of the community. Staff all schools with excellent teachers who are well supported by effective school leaders; provide the training, high expectations and support needed for excellent professionals to thrive. Fix Pennsylvania’s school funding formula to provide the basis for an excellent education for every child. A sound funding system must reduce the over-reliance on property taxes, be immune from economic swings and provide equitable and appropriate funding to all communities – large and small, rural, urban and suburban. Adopt a rational system for special education funding based on updated student numbers, district needs and appropriate and inclusive education for each child. Funding mechanisms should not pit the needs of one group of children against another. Increase preparation for, participation in and financial aid access to post secondary education. We need our high school graduates to come out of school ready for college if they want to go, and for families to be able to and afford it. Make Pennsylvania a national leader in education policy, adopting and implementing innovative policies to lead our children into the future. Pennsylvania’s future will be defined by how we prepare for it.  We need to invest in the next generation, prepare them with the skills to create the prosperity and the jobs we need for Pennsylvania.  This means setting our sights on leading the way in investing in education. Issues 2008-10-15T00:00:00-05:00 http://www.educationvoterspa.org/site/about-education-voters-pennsylvania/ http://www.educationvoterspa.org/site/about-education-voters-pennsylvania/#When:22:03:00Z Education Voters Pennsylvania is a non-profit, non-partisan organization.  We were established in 2007 to promote a pro public education agenda with elected leaders, legislators and the public. Education Voters Pennsylvania is a 501c4 organization which enables us to lobby for laws furthering sound education policy and participate in election activity that supports pro public education candidates, legislators and leaders. We are a tax exempt organization, but because we lobby, contributions to our organization are not tax deductible. Education Voters Pennsylvania is an affiliate of Education Voters of America. About 2008-05-22T22:03:00-05:00 http://www.educationvoterspa.org/site/our-mission/ http://www.educationvoterspa.org/site/our-mission/#When:21:43:01Z Education Voters Pennsylvania will work to ensure our political leaders adopt and implement a pro public education agenda. We will hold political leaders accountable if they fail to do so and support elected officials who lead the way to high quality public education. To that end we are: Advocating for sound education policy and the enactment of laws to support it. Building demand for great schools by informing the public, leadership, and business community about the indisputable economic and social benefits of quality public schools and what is being done—or not done—about these critical issues in Harrisburg. Creating new voter engagement strategies to help provide information about how we can demand—and get—real action from our leaders. Distinguish candidates and elected leaders that are pro public education and which are not, issuing supportive endorsements and exposing those who stand as blockades to progress for local districts and communities. It is time to ask the question: Who is for great public schools and who is not? About 2008-05-22T21:43:01-05:00 http://www.educationvoterspa.org/site/privacy-policy/ http://www.educationvoterspa.org/site/privacy-policy/#When:18:25:01Z Education Voters Pennsylvania (EVPA) is committed to protecting your privacy on the Internet. EVPA’s privacy policy reflects our strong commitment to respecting any information you choose to share with us. Information that you may choose to give us includes your name, address, email address, phone number, credit card information, and other information about your interests and preferences. We may obtain information from outside sources and add it to or combine it with the information we collect through this site. We use this information to operate this site, to send you news and information about EVPA and the issues that we work on, and to credit those who are organizing support for EVPA. We work closely with allied and like-minded organizations, including our sister organization Education Voters Institute. To further the mission of EVPA, we may make this information available to these allied and like-minded organizations as well as other third parties, unless you have requested that we do not. You can request that your information not be shared outside the Education Voters family or not shared at all by . About 2008-05-07T18:25:01-05:00 http://www.educationvoterspa.org/site/contributions/ http://www.educationvoterspa.org/site/contributions/#When:18:29:01Z Education Voters Pennsylvania is a nonprofit, tax-exempt corporation under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. Contributions. To make a contribution online, we also ask for your credit card number and its expiration date. Because Education Voters Pennsylvania uses donations for political purposes such as supporting or opposing candidates for office, we do not accept contributions from business corporations or unions, and your personal contribution is NOT tax-deductible as charitable contributions. About 2008-05-05T18:29:01-05:00