Following his “no” vote on legislation that would alter the way the Commonwealth distributes special education funding to school districts, Rep. Mark Keller (R-Perry/Franklin) issued the following statement and cited lack of information about House Bill 704’s impact.

“The current special education funding formula negatively impacts school districts in the 86th Legislative District, which is then shifted to school property taxpayers.  The formula shifts more funding to urban school districts while suburban and rural school districts suffer.

“My colleague, Representative Glen Grell of Cumberland County, questioned the bill’s sponsor during debate on the House floor about how this change would apply to school districts in central Pennsylvania.  The author of the bill was unable to provide an explanation to my colleagues and me, which left me no other choice but to reject this measure until I receive additional details.

“The students and families throughout Perry and Franklin counties – as well as taxpayers – deserve the same level of funding that students in other regions of Pennsylvania receive.  Unless this new formula would provide an equitable distribution of state funds to all school districts, I cannot support it.

“I urge my colleagues in the state Senate to thoroughly review this legislation to ensure central Pennsylvania is adequately protected.”

Rep. Mark Keller

86th District

Pennsylvania House of Representatives

(717) 582-8119

Contact:  Tim Eller

House Republican Public Relations

teller@pahousegop.com

(717) 260-6242

Member Site:  RepKeller.com

Caucus site:  PAHouseGOP.com